Memorial

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Sgt Willard M. Holden attended MSTC High School.

He enlisted in May 1943, receiving his training at Camp Kearney, Nebraska, Amarillo, Texas, Las Vegas, Nevada and Alexandria, Louisiana

Statement from 2nd Lt Edward L. Witty,
O-821133, 324th Bomb. Sq.:
"We were flying in No. 2 position of lead element, altitude 25,400 feet, time 1000 to 1010 hours. At this time we were hit from the rear at 5 o'clock level by approximately 25 enemy fighters. Aircraft B-17G, 43-38012 was leading the No. 3 element and I saw 20 mm shells hitting and exploding all over the aircraft. No. 4 engine caught on fire and aircraft seemingly went out of control. The ship then went into a shallow dive, rolled over on its back and exploded in that position with bombs on board."

The pilot gave his crew the bail out order just after the attack. Eight crew members were taken prisoner, only Sgt Holden didn't survive.

According to witness statements from other crew members after they were liberated, it was assumed that Sgt Holden was wounded or killed in the attack. He was initially buried at the cemetery of Ermschwerd the next day.

However, after the war a trial was hled against a policeman, Justus Gerstenberg, who was sentenced to death by hanging for the killing of Sgt Holden.

Two witnesses found an American flyer, that came done with a parachute, and was apparently injured at his hand and most likely had a broken hand. He was lying on his back and smoking a cigarette when they found him. Gersenberg appeared and said to the witnesses: "Now, haven't you beaten him to death yet?". The accused examined the flyer to see if he had a weapon and then pulled a pistol and shot the flyer through the head between the eyes.

Later in the day he ordered a German civilian to bury his remains, saying he died of his wounds. On the following day, the flyer was put in a coffin and transported to Ermschwerd. There the coffin was opened and two dog-tags were removed from the body. The body was then buried and the dog-tags were attached to the cross. On these dog-tags was the name and number of Sgt Holden.