Memorial

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T/Sgt George F. Pechacek attended Washington Park High School and was employed by Thompson Gasoline Alleys, Inc. before he enlisted in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on 1 September 1942.

B-17G #42-31561, piloted by 1st Lt Elmer J. Costales, was hit with a head-on attack by a yellow-nosed FW190. One engine was hit, and half of the horizontal stabilizer was shot away; however, he left the formation under control and headed for the Danish coast. When last sighted, the aircraft was still under attack as it went into the undercast.
Surviving air crew member reports indicate that T/Sgt Pechacek was last seen opening the bomb doors, allowing crew members to bail out. It is believed that he was wounded in the plane by the attacking enemy fighter. He definitely bailed out, but it is believed he was so badly injured that he died after landing.

Eight crew members were able to bail out and ended up POWs.