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name
GRIFFIN, James Thomas - Date of
birth
9 June 1918 -
Age
25 - Place of
birth
Fall River, Bristol County, Massachusetts -
Hometown
Fall River, Bristol County, Massachusetts
Personal info
Military service
- Service
number
31133632 -
Rank
Staff Sergeant -
Function
Ball Turret Gunner -
Unit
527th Bombardment Squadron,
379th Bombardment Group, Heavy
-
Awards
Purple Heart
Death
-
Status
Killed in Action - Date of
death
11 June 1943 - Place of
death
Near Tossens, Germany
Grave
-
Cemetery
American War Cemetery Margraten
| Plot | Row | Grave |
|---|---|---|
| H | 9 | 7 |
Immediate family
-
Members
Daniel D. Griffin (father)
Annie V. (Lavelle) Griffin (mother)
Rita Griffin (sister)
Margaret Griffin (sister)
Evelyn Griffin (sister)
Elizabeth Griffin (sister)
Claire Griffin (sister)
Dorthey Griffin (sister)
Mary Griffin (wife)
James Griffin (son)
Plane data
- Serial
number
42-3138 -
Data
Type: B-17F
Nickname: Eight Ball
Destination: Wilhelmshaven, Germany
Mission: Bombing of the U-boat yards
MACR: 1357
More information
S/Sgt James T. Griffin attended high school for two years and was a flying steward with the Eadtern Airlines.He enlisted in Boston, Massachusetts on 11 June 1942.
The formation was attacked by approximately 200 enemy fighters over the target. Two singled out this airplane. It exploded in mid-air.
Two crew members survived and were taken prisoner, eight men were killed. They were initially buried at the Port Cemetery of Wesermunde on 19 June 1943.
Source of information: Peter Schouteten, Raf Dyckmans, www.wwiimemorial.com, www.archives.gov, www.fold3.com - MACR, www.ancestry.com
Photo source: www.findagrave.com Des Philippet, Dan Sheahan - Reference Staff Fall River Main Library