Memorial

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Marcus Gillespie was a stenographer.

He joined the Air Corps of the U.S. Army Reserve in Charleston, West Virginia, on 9 June 1942.

Statement of 2nd Lt Robert W. Falconer, who flew in the same mission: "I was flying Red 2 position at 1,500-1,700 feet and at approximately 1200, we circled over Maastricht and got a fix. At that time, controller “Default” on D channel called and gave us a target between Eschweiler and Aldenhoven, instead of the target for which we had been briefed. We took a course of 85 degrees, reached the target area and began a 360-degree turn. While still in the turn, a barrage of heavy, accurate flak was directed at us from vicinity of Alsdorf. A large black puff appeared in the middle of our flight and I saw Red 3, Lt Marcus R. Gillespie, explode and become enveloped in flames. It was as if his aircraft broke off in the middle. Shortly thereafter, I saw his chute below, but because of the angle from which I saw it, it was impossible to discern whether or not he was alive or injured. This was at approximately 1210. Meanwhile, my plane had been hit also and due to the extensive damage, I was forced to belly land at K-3595. I then made my way to the nearby British encampment, from which I was taken to base.

1st Lt Marcus R. “Mark” Gillespie was taken prisoner and died of his wounds the same day.