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Personal info

Full name
HOFF, Henry
Date of birth
16 June 1914
Age
29
Place of birth
Holyoke, Hampden County, Massachusetts
Hometown
Holyoke, Hampden County, Massachusetts
Religion
Jewish

Military service

Service number
31039807
Rank
Staff Sergeant
Function
Waist Gunner
Unit
427th 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
29 April 1944
Place of death
Near Hannover, Germany

Grave

Cemetery
American War Cemetery Ardennes
Plot Row Grave
C 21 15

Immediate family

Members
Louis L. Hoff (father)
Bessie (Climan) Hoff (mother)
Irene Hoff (sister)
Irving Hoff (brother)

Plane data

Serial number
43-3158
Data
Type: B-17G
Nickname: Max
Destination: Berlin, Germany
Mission: Bombing of the city
MACR: 4471

More information

S/Sgt Henry Hoff graduated from Holyoke High School in 1931. He attended Ohio Statue University and the University of Vermont.

He enlisted in Springfield, Massachusetts on 28 June 1941.

The airplane was hit by flak between the # 3 and #4 engines on the trailing edge and was smoking. It then straggled from the formation in the target area and was attacked by German fighters. It was seen to explode in the air.

Two crew members survived and were taken prisoner. Eight men were killed.

Source of information: Raf Dyckmans, Terry Hirsch, 303rdBomberGroup.com, Springfield Republican - 2 February 1945

Photo source: Michel Beckers, Holyoke High School 1931