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name
O'NEIL, Charles Oscar Jr - Date of
birth
19 January 1921 -
Age
24 - Place of
birth
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada -
Hometown
California
Personal info
Military service
- Service
number
0-2065901 -
Rank
Second Lieutenant -
Function
Navigator -
Unit
567th Bombardment Squadron,
389th Bombardment Group, Heavy
-
Awards
Air Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters
Death
-
Status
Killed in Action - Date of
death
24 March 1945 - Place of
death
Wesel, Germany
Grave
-
Cemetery
American War Cemetery Ardennes
| Plot | Row | Grave |
|---|---|---|
| D | 13 | 10 |
Immediate family
-
Members
Charles O. O'Neil (father)
Sylvia O'Neil (mother)
Ron O'Neil (brother)
Roy O'Neil (brother)
Patricia O'Neil (sister)
Clifford O'Neil (brother)
Betty J. O'Neil (wife)
Plane data
- Serial
number
44-40245 -
Data
Type: B-24J
Nickname: Skerby
Destination: Wesel, Germany
MACR: 13536
More information
Aircraft 44-40245 was flying at eleven o’clock in relation to the aircraft in which I was flying. All of a sudden the aircraft nosed up, turned right, pulled up and then dove nose down into the ground. The plane was intact prior to hitting the ground, and as far as I could see was not on fire. As soon as the aircraft nosed into the ground it exploded and was completely enveloped in flames. I am quite sure that it had dropped it supplies as the bomb bay doors were closed. I saw no one leave the wreckage.
Source of information: Peter Schouteten, Terry Hirsch, www.389thbg.net, www.wwiimemorial.com, www.archives.gov, WWII Draft Card
Photo source: www.findagrave.com, Oakland Tribune - 6 August 1944