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name
SYMANK, John H Jr - Date of
birth
28 September 1920 -
Age
23 - Place of
birth
Riesel, McLennan County, Texas -
Hometown
Austin County, Texas
Personal info
Military service
- Service
number
O-754446 -
Rank
Second Lieutenant -
Function
Co-Pilot -
Unit
730th Bombardment Squadron,
452nd Bombardment Group, Heavy
-
Awards
Purple Heart
Death
-
Status
Killed in Action - Date of
death
10 February 1944 - Place of
death
Diepholz, Germany
Grave
-
Cemetery
American War Cemetery Margraten
| Plot | Row | Grave |
|---|---|---|
| H | 6 | 15 |
Immediate family
-
Members
John H. Symank (father)
Ida L. (Kess) Symank (wife)
Plane data
- Serial
number
42-39961 -
Data
Type: B-17G
Nickname: Bad Check
Destination: Brunswick, Germany
MACR: 2537
More information
2nd Lt John H. Symank Jr. received his commission at the advanced pilot school at Douglas, Arizona.Following statement made by 2nd Lt. Howard W. Sweeny, O-803062:
It is believed that this aircraft flying at approximately 26,000 feet in the group formation overran, pulled up and collided with the lead plane B-17G #42-31318, piloted by 2nd Lt. Milton Turner, O-800429. A B-17 was observed broken completely in two, headed earthward. Although identification is uncertain, it is believed this was Lt. Tiska´s plane #42-39961. No chutes were observed but there was an overcast at 20,000 feet.
Source of information: Peter Schouteten, Carla Mans, www.wwiimemorial.com, www.fold3.com, www.ancestry.com - U.S. WWII Draft Cards Young Men
Photo source: www.findagrave.com - Des Philippet, www.emolachance.com