Memorial

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Sgt Eldon B. Pickett enlisted in the Air Corp on 27 October 1941.

He completed 4 years of high school.

Sgt Hines information as dictated to author UNK - but sent to Sgt Kraft's father:
"On the fateful day some of the boys had done eleven, some twelve missions. The pilot realized something was wrong, telephoned back that they were off course. The error of the lead navigator cost two ships and the lives of our seven boys. They were hit twice -- after the first time Sgt. Hines said he and Dan Matlock got no response from up front. After the second hit the ship went into a tailspin for 10,000 feet. The two boys who lived through it were ready with their parachutes, but could not release themselves because of the pressure. Finally the ship exploded, disintegrating, and the boys were all blown clear. Sgt. Hines' chute opened at 1,000 ft; Sgt. Matlock's at 500 ft., so the latter was seriously injured. The rest were all picked up -- dead. And though they were buried by our enemy, they received a respectful burial with all due honor, and Sgt. Hines was permitted to stay with them until the end."Per German reports, Lt Sink was reported as as being among the dead in their initial records indicating their intell must have been pretty vast. Their reports indicate the burial of the crew was in Guidel, France near Lorient.

Sgt Pickett was first buried at Temporary American Military Cemetery St. James, France Block P, Row 9, Grave 215.