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name
JOHNSON, Vernie Franklin - Date of
birth
14 June 1910 -
Age
33 -
Place of birth
Assaria, Saline County, Kansas -
Hometown
Los Angeles County, California
Personal info
Military service
- Service
number
39021986 -
Rank
Staff Sergeant -
Function
Gunner -
Unit
329th Bombardment Squadron,
93rd Bombardment Group, Heavy
-
Awards
Distinguished Flying Cross,
Purple Heart,
Air Medal
Death
-
Status
Killed in Action - Date of
death
1 August 1943 - Place of
death
Near Ploesti, Romania
Grave
-
Cemetery
American War Cemetery Ardennes
| Plot | Row | Grave |
|---|---|---|
| C | 10 | 47 |
Immediate family
-
Members
Frank Johnson (father)
Mary N. Johnson (mother)
Arthur Johnson (stepbrother)
Elmer Johnson (brother)
Theodore Johnson (brother)
Emily Johnson (sister)
Ruby Johnson (sister)
Glenn V. Johnson (son)
Plane data
- Serial
number
42-40804 -
Data
Type: B-24D
Nickname: Lady Jane
Destination: Benzagi, Romania
Mission: Operation Tidal Wave
MACR: 328
More information
S/Sgt Vernie F. Johnson graduated from Salina High School in 1928.He enlisted at Fort MacArthur, California on 4 March 1942.
32 A/C of 93rd Bomb GP reached target on this mission, "Operation Tidal Wave". On interrogation, one enlisted man from one of the other crews stated that he saw this aircraft crash and burst into flames in the target area, from an altitude of less than 300 feet.
Source of information: Terry Hirsch, www.wwiiimemorial.com, www.abmc.gov, www.ancestry.com - Headstone and Interment Record / WWII Enlistment Records / 1920/ 1930 Census / WWII Draft Card
Photo source: Peter Schouteten, www.findagrave.com - John Dowdy