Missing information?

Do you have any additional information you would like to share about a soldier?

Submit

Personal info

Full name
PAXTON, William Arthur Jr
Date of birth
4 August 1924
Age
19
Place of birth
New York
Hometown
Brooklyn, Kings County, New York

Military service

Service number
12155754
Rank
Staff Sergeant
Function
Tail Gunner
Unit
67th Bombardment Squadron,
44th Bombardment Group, Heavy
Awards
Purple Heart,
Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster

Death

Status
Killed in Action
Date of death
29 January 1944
Place of death
Between Wibrin and Dinez, Belgium

Grave

Cemetery
American War Cemetery Ardennes
Plot Row Grave
A 12 10

Immediate family

Members
William A. Paxton (father)
Mamie Paxton (mother)
Frances E. Paxton (sister)

Plane data

Serial number
42-7547
Data
Type: B-24H
Nickname: Sky Queen
Destination: Frankfurt, Germany
Mission: Bombing of the industrial area
MACR: 2251

More information

S/Sgt William A. Paxton Jr. volunteered for the Air Corps of the Army of the United States in New York City, New York on 19 October 1942.

Statement from 1st Lt Hugh R. Long:
"A/C #547, piloted by Lt Harold H. Pinder, was flying on the left wing. At about 1110, just before the IP was reached, 1 FW-190 attacked and scored hits near the right wing tip. A/C #547 began to lose altitude and fire was seen in the bomb bay. Two parachutes were seen to open, and A/C went below clouds under control. Approximate location 50.20 N – 06.20 E."

Source of information: Peter Schouteten, Raf Dyckmans, www.abmc.gov, www.findagrave.com – John Dowdy, www.wwiimemorial.com, www.archives.gov – WWII Enlistment Record, www.ancestry.com - U.S., Headstone and Interment Records for U.S. Military Cemeteries on Foreign Soil / Roberson Family Tree, www.fold3.com

Photo source: Peter Schouteten