Memorial

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2nd Lt Norman Bergen graduated from Canistota High School in 1939 where he played in the high school band. During the 1930’s, he took guitar lessons from the third grade teacher. As a result, he and a couple other boys got together and made a group called the “Beeler Boys.” He also helped his father in the paint and paper hanging business. A neighbor and friend, Jean Niedert, remembered that Norman was “a nice guy! His nickname was “Husky” - because he wasn’t! He was tall and thin.”

After serving in the Civilian Conservation Corps in the Black Hills for over a year, he joined the National Guard in Rapid City, South Dakota on 10 February 1941.

He later joined the Army Air Corps and was trained as a bombardier at Roswell, New Mexico. In the spring of 1944, 2nd Lt. Bergen was sent overseas and stationed in England.

According to a statement of an eyewitness, 2nd Lt Arthur S. Harris, the airplane followed another plane out of formation about one minute after bombs away. Both ships turned to the left. The n° 3 engine was feathered.

Statement of a surviving crew member, T/Sgt Frank Gnasdowski:
"We got through the flak allright but were hit by fighters on the turn for home. After noticing the ship losing altitude I tried to call the crew but the phones were knocked out."

Nine crew members were killed, one was taken prisoner.