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name
CONKLING, John Richard - Date of
birth
2 December 1922 -
Age
21 - Place of
birth
Montgomery County, Ohio -
Hometown
Louisville, Jefferson County, Kentucky
Personal info
Military service
- Service
number
15113754 -
Rank
Technical Sergeant -
Function
Radio Operator -
Unit
360th Bombardment Squadron,
303rd Bombardment Group, Heavy
-
Awards
Distinguished Flying Cross,
Purple Heart,
Air Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters
Death
-
Status
Killed in Action - Date of
death
28 September 1944 - Place of
death
Ohrum, Germany
Grave
-
Cemetery
American War Cemetery Margraten
| Plot | Row | Grave |
|---|---|---|
| M | 19 | 9 |
Immediate family
-
Members
Raymond V. Conkling (father)
Madeline B. Conkling (mother)
Madeline V. Conkling (sister)
Audrey E. Conkling (sister)
Norma L. Conkling (brother)
Plane data
- Serial
number
42-97805 -
Data
Type: B-17G
Destination: Magdeburg, Germany
Mission: Bombing of Braunkohle (BRABAG) synthetic oil refinery
MACR: 9412
More information
T/Sgt John R. Conkling joined the Air Corps of the U.S. Army Reserve at Bowman Field, Louisville, Kentucky on 5 February 1943.The formation was victime to severe attacks of enemy fighters. The gas tank behind #4 engine was hit and was on fire. The plane dropped down and after an explosion the fire enveloped the entire right wing.
Three crew members survived and were taken prisoner, sis were killed.
T/Sgt Conkling's parachute didn't open, because it was damaged by 20mm shells.
Source of information: Peter Schouteten, Raf Dyckmans, 303rd Bomb Group
Photo source: 303rd Bomb Group