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name
ESTER, Elbert Eugene - Date of
birth
8 February 1923 -
Age
21 - Place of
birth
Kansas -
Hometown
Los Angeles County, California
Personal info
Military service
- Service
number
39553701 -
Rank
Staff Sergeant -
Function
Tail Gunner -
Unit
856th Bombardment Squadron,
492nd Bombardment Group, Heavy
-
Awards
Purple Heart,
Air Medal
Death
-
Status
Killed in Action - Date of
death
20 June 1944 - Place of
death
Baltic Sea
Grave
-
Cemetery
American War Cemetery Ardennes
| Plot | Row | Grave |
|---|---|---|
| B | 37 | 22 |
Immediate family
-
Members
Ben Ester (father)
Annie M. Milis (mother)
Eva Ester (sister)
Plane data
- Serial
number
44-40112 -
Data
Type: B-24J
Nickname: Flak Happy
Destination: Politz, Germany
MACR: 7074
More information
On 20 Jun 44, they led the group's low left squadron to bomb the heavily defended refineries at Politz. On the way to target just as they reached Rugen Island, they were attacked by enemy fighters. Kehoe recalls, "A loud explosion was my first indication that we had been hit. When I turned around the whole flight deck was in flames." His co-pilot left his seat to see if he could put the fire out. The whole plane was filled with smoke and for a time no one could see. Kehoe gave the order to bail but wasn't sure if the bell or intercom was working. As the smoke semi-cleared few minutes later, Kehoe discovered he was the only one left. Somehow Kehoe made it to Sweden. Elbert E. Ester died 20 June 1944 but his body was recovered on 6 Aug. 1944.
Source of information: Kathy Tomlin, www.492ndbombgroup.com, www.wwiimemorial.com, www.archives.gov
Photo source: Kathy Tomlin