Missing information?

Do you have any additional information you would like to share about a soldier?

Submit

Personal info

Full name
BREAW, Edwin Gordon
Date of birth
6 February 1923
Age
21
Place of birth
Alden, Hardin County, Iowa
Hometown
Humboldt County, Iowa

Military service

Service number
O-723565
Rank
Second Lieutenant
Function
Navigator
Unit
708th Bombardment Squadron,
447th Bombardment Group, Heavy
Awards
Purple Heart,
Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster

Death

Status
Missing in Action
Date of death
4 November 1944
Place of death
English Channel

Grave

Cemetery
American War Cemetery Margraten
Walls of the Missing

Immediate family

Members
Walter L. Breaw (father)
Elva A. Breaw (mother)
Metta Breaw (sister)
Barbara Breaw (sister)
Phyllis M. Breaw (sister)

Plane data

Serial number
42-32081
Data
Type: B-17G
Nickname: Yellow Cab
Destination: Hamburg, Germany
MACR: 10162

More information

2nd Lt Edwin G. Breaw attended Iowa State College in Ames, Iowa and was employed at Kiewits and Sons.

The aircraft left formation at approximately 5550N-0320E at 1140 hours. No flak had been encountered up to this point, and the cause for leaving formation is unknown. The aircraft was under control when last observed. At 1459 hours, the MFDF section gave the aircraft's position at 5230N-0325E and stated that the aircraft was about to ditch. P-53s were sent to the search area. The search was unsuccessful and was terminated by darkness. The search was continued on the morning of 5 November 1944 due to a gale the night before. Eight Sterlings and 4 Warwicks continued the search, and at 5250N-0350E, wreckage and an empty dinghy were located with no sign of any personnel. However, there was nothing found to confirm that this wreckage was aircraft 42-32081.

Source of information: Peter Schouteten, www.wwiimemorial.com, www.archives.gov, www.fold3.com - MACR, www.ancestry.com - WWII Bonus Case File

Photo source: Peter Schouteten, www.newspapers.com - The Humboldt Independent, Iowa State College - 1943