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name
WICKS, Wayne Wesley - Date of
birth
10 March 1913 -
Age
31 - Place of
birth
Friday Harbor, San Juan County, Washington -
Hometown
King County, Washington
Personal info
Military service
- Service
number
39198390 -
Rank
Technical Sergeant -
Function
Radio Operator -
Unit
613th Bombardment Squadron,
401st Bombardment Group, Heavy
-
Awards
Purple Heart,
Air Medal
Death
-
Status
Killed in Action - Date of
death
28 May 1944 - Place of
death
Germany
Grave
-
Cemetery
American War Cemetery Margraten
| Plot | Row | Grave |
|---|---|---|
| D | 3 | 3 |
Immediate family
-
Members
Frederick D. Wicks (father)
Edna A. Newton (mother)
Alden E. Wicks (brother)
Winston M. Wicks (brother)
Donald N. Wicks (brother)
Lindley S. Wicks (brother)
Leander E. Wicks (brother)
Barbara J. (Hartshorn) Wicks (wife)
Susan Wicks (daughter)
Plane data
- Serial
number
42-102580 -
Data
Type: B-17G
Destination: Dessau, Germany
Mission: Operatonal Bombing
MACR: 5307
More information
T/Sgt Wayne W. Wicks graduated from Weatherwax High School in 1931. He was employed at Sears, Roebuck and Company.He enlisted on 14 January 1943 in Tacoma, Washington.
This was the roughest mission of the 401st Bombardment Group's tour in the ETO. The Group furnished the Low Box of the 94th Combat Wing and was chosen as the focus of attack by approximately 200 enemy fighters. The attacks lasted for 40 minutes, from the I.P. through two runs at the target. As many as 60 enemy aircraft attacked in formation, using saturation tactics. As a result, all of the High Squadron but the Lead Aircraft were shot down. A total of six Group aircraft were lost in the target area, while another was forced to ditch in the English Channel.
The airplane was shot down by enemy fighters.
Source of information: Michel Beckers, Terry Hirsch, Peter Schouteten, WWII Draft Card, 1940 US Census
Photo source: Nico Leers, Andy Swinnen, Weatherwax High School 1930, 1931