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Personal info

Full name
GRUNTMEIR, Herman Edward
Date of birth
13 November 1916
Age
26
Place of birth
Okarche, Kingfisher County, Oklahoma
Hometown
Okarche, Kingfisher County, Oklahoma

Military service

Service number
18053231
Rank
Sergeant
Function
Radio Operator
Unit
569th Bombardment Squadron,
390th Bombardment Group, Heavy
Awards
Purple Heart

Death

Status
Killed in Action
Date of death
20 October 1943
Place of death
Eerde near Veghel, Netherlands

Grave

Cemetery
American War Cemetery Margraten
Plot Row Grave
H 13 11

Immediate family

Members
Joseph A. Gruntmeir (father)
Mary (Luis) Gruntmeir (mother)
Francis J. Gruntmeir (brother)
Josephine A. Gruntmeir (sister)
Philomena M. Gruntmeir (sister)
Margaret C. Gruntmeir (sister)
Frieda A. Gruntmeir (sister)
Marie M. Gruntmeir (sister)
Beatrice M. Gruntmeir (sister)
Rita C. Gruntmeir (sister)

Plane data

Serial number
42-30719
Data
Type: B-17F
Nickname: Shatzi
Destination: Duren, Germany
Mission: Bombing of the industrial area
MACR: 1039

More information

Sgt Herman E. Gruntmeir was a machinist before he joined the Air Corps of the Regular Army in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on 4 December 1941.

The aircraft was attacked by fighters and broke in half. Eight men bailed out safely. Two crew members were killed, seven were taken prisoner, one escaped.

Surviving crew members reported that Herman E. Gruntmeir was killed at his position during the first attack.

He was initially buried at the cemetery of Eindhoven-Woensel on the same day.

Source of information: Raf Dyckmans, Luc van der Sterren, Astrid van Erp, Barbara Schaefer, www.wwiimemorial.com, www.archives.gov, www.8thafhs.com, www.fold3.com - MACR, www.ancestry.com - Eischen Family Tree

Photo source: www.findagrave.com - Michael Beach, Barbara Schaefer