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name
SILVERSTON, Robert Lawrence - Date of
birth
9 June 1919 -
Age
25 - Place of
birth
Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan -
Hometown
Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan -
Religion
Jewish
Personal info
Military service
- Service
number
36557244 -
Rank
Sergeant -
Function
Radio Operator/Gunner -
Unit
574th Bombardment Squadron,
391st Bombardment Group, Medium
-
Awards
Purple Heart,
Air Medal
Death
-
Status
Killed in Action - Date of
death
10 February 1945 - Place of
death
In the vicinity of Rhens, Germany
Grave
-
Cemetery
American War Cemetery Margraten
| Plot | Row | Grave |
|---|---|---|
| H | 10 | 4 |
Immediate family
-
Members
Abe Silverston (father)
Rachel Silverston (mother)
Anna Silverston (sister)
Rose Silverston (sister)
Harold Silverston (brother)
Jack Silverston (brother)
Charlie Silverston (brother)
Paul Silverston (brother)
Plane data
- Serial
number
42-107720 -
Data
Type: B-26C
Destination: Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
MACR: 12222
More information
Sgt Robert L. Silverston graduated from Highland High School and attended Western Michigan College.He enlisted in March 1942.
Statement from James McNamara, 2nd Lt, Air Corps:
"I was flying as bombardier, #4 position, second flight, second box, on a mission to Bergisch Gladbach, Germany. We began to receive sederate accurate flak in the vicinity of Boppard, Germany, and at this point I saw the right wing of aircraft 107720, Lt Martin's aircraft, receive a direct hit at the engine smells, and the wing and engine were blown off. The plane then flipped over on the back and began to spin earthwart. I last saw the plane at about 10,000 feet when it went into a mass of clouds. I observed no chutes coming from the plane."
The entire crew of six was killed. They were initially buried at the site of the crash.
Source of information: Raf Dyckmans, André Koch, Dave Morris, Terry Hirsch, www.abmc.gov, www.wwiimemorial.com, www.ancestry.com - 1920/1930/1940 Census / Headstone and Interment Record, www.fold3.com - MACR
Photo source: www.findagrave.com - Des Philippet, Dave Morris, Jewish War Veterans Department of Michigan