Memorial

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Sgt Gordon H. Thomas graduated from Shaker Heights High School and attended Ohio University.

He enlisted in Cleveland, Ohio on 28 January 1943. He was sent overseas in March 1944 and had completed five missions with his squadron as a ball turret gunner.

Sgt Thomas was a passenger on a B-24J with serialnumber 44-10620, which was on a Trolley mission.

Trolley missions were flown in early May 1945. The purpose being to provide all crew and ground personnel the opportunity to see the results of their contribution in the strategic air war against Germany. Many precautions were taken on these missions, and the most responsible and experienced pilots were chosen to fly. There were no trolley missions flown in bad weather. Despite such precautions, accidents occurred, such as this.

The pilot of the lead aircraft in the element in which Lt Saunderson was to fly left wing, said that he contacted Lt Saunderson once while the aircraft were circling the field. Lt Saunderson said that he was going to pull up on the wing. When Lt Saunderson failed to do so the other pilot tried several more times to contact him, however he was unable to do so. The other pilot then went out on course.

The aircraft crashed into the Engers Bridge.

All nineteen men aboard were killed, and of only six of them the remains were recovered.

His brother Lt James Thomas was stationed within five miles of Sgt Thomas' base and reported the fatal crash to his parents.