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name
MATHISEN, Ralph Jack - Date of
birth
26 August 1924 -
Age
20 - Place of
birth
Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California -
Hometown
San Diego, San Diego County, California
Personal info
Military service
- Service
number
39699654 -
Rank
Technical Sergeant -
Function
Engineer/Gunner -
Unit
565th Bombardment Squadron,
389th Bombardment Group, Heavy
-
Awards
Purple Heart,
Air Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters
Death
-
Status
Killed in Action - Date of
death
24 March 1945 - Place of
death
Northeast of Wesel, Germany
Grave
-
Cemetery
American War Cemetery Margraten
| Plot | Row | Grave |
|---|---|---|
| F | 12 | 3 |
Immediate family
-
Members
Henry C. Mathisen (father)Gertrude H. (Andersen) Mathisen (mother)
Plane data
- Serial
number
42-50779 -
Data
Type: B-24J
Destination: Wesel, Germany
MACR: 13581
More information
T/Sgt Ralph J. Mathisen was employed with the Navy Civil Service at San Diego Naval Air Station.Aircraft 42-50779 was flying on my left wing when we entered the area of the dropping zone. After making a turn to the right to attempt a second run, Lt. Bloore aircraft disappeared in the smoke and was not seem again. At that time we were flying at 200 feet.
Source of information: Peter Schouteten, Terry Hirsch, www.389thbg.net, www.wwiimemorial.com, www.archives.gov, WWII Draft Card
Photo source: Peter Schouteten, USAAF/collective A.J. van Hees