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Personal info

Full name
COLLINS, John Milton
Date of birth
31 July 1916
Age
28
Place of birth
San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas
Hometown
San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas

Military service

Service number
O-761403
Rank
Second Lieutenant
Function
Bombardier
Unit
337th Bombardment Squadron,
96th Bombardment Group, Heavy
Awards
Purple Heart,
Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster

Death

Status
Killed in Action
Date of death
4 August 1944
Place of death
Wittstedt, District of Wesermunde, Germany

Grave

Cemetery
American War Cemetery Margraten
Plot Row Grave
C 21 22

Immediate family

Members
Joe C. Collins (father)
Susie (Wilkey) Collins (mother)
James Collins (brother)
Mildred Collins (sister)
Jack Collins (brother)
Lillian (Schick) Collins

Plane data

Serial number
42-97195
Data
Type: B-17G
Nickname: Miss Minneapolis
Destination: Bremen, Germany
Mission: Combat
MACR: 7741

More information

2nd Lt John M. Collins was a graduate of Jefferson High School. He had worked as a postal employee before enlisting the service. Lt. Collins had been on 14 missions and been overseas since April of 1944.

A/C 195 was hit by flak near the IP, with #3 engines on fire. A/C left formation in a spin. It was seen to split up into 2 parts and blow up upon hitting the ground.

The second picture was taken in high school in 1932?

Source of information: Peter Schouteten, Terry Hirsch, www.wwiimemorial.com, www.archives.gov, www.fold3.com, San Antonio Light - 12 November 1944; WWII Draft Cards; 1930 US Census

Photo source: www.findagrave.com - Des Philippet, San Antonio Light - 12 November 1944; WWII Draft Cards; 1930 US Census, Thomas Jefferson High School, 1932