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Submit- Full
name
NEIS, Elmer Joseph - Date of
birth
28 December 1914 -
Age
29 - Place of
birth
Reader, Adams County, North Dakota -
Hometown
Lamoure, Nora County, North Dakota
Personal info
Military service
- Service
number
37280296 -
Rank
Technical Sergeant -
Function
Radio Operator/Gunner -
Unit
587th Bombardment Squadron,
394th Bombardment Group, Medium
-
Awards
Distinguished Flying Cross,
Purple Heart,
Air Medal
Death
-
Status
Killed in Action - Date of
death
14 June 1944 - Place of
death
Saint-Peravy-la-Colombe, France
Grave
-
Cemetery
American War Cemetery Epinal
| Plot | Row | Grave |
|---|---|---|
| A | 18 | 27 |
Immediate family
-
Members
Frank S. Neis (father)
Mary E. (Hemann) Neis (mother)
Ruben Neis (brother)
Fred Neis (brother)
Leo C. Neis (brother)
John Neis (brother)
Adolph A. Neis (brother)
Viola A. Neis (sister)
Walter F. Neis (brother)
Plane data
- Serial
number
42-96210 -
Data
Type: B-26B-55
Nickname: Ginny Lou
Destination: Cloyes, France
Mission: Not available
MACR: 6194
More information
T/Sgt Allen S. Cook:On 14 June 1944, on a mission over France, I was flying in number 4 position in flight in which Lt. Harley was flying No.2 position. No.2 ship was hit by heavy flak and burst into flames instantly, apparently a direct hit. No.2 maintained position momentarily then peeled left and down directly between the No.1 and No.4 ships nearly hitting No.4 on the way down. Bombs were salved from the ship slightly below flight and the ship continued losing altitude with pilot apparently trying to hold it level. He succeeded for some time but the ship finally dove into ground and exploded. To my observation no one escaped from the plane.
He was first buried at the Temporary American Military Cemetery of Solers, France.
Source of information: Peter Schouteten, Terry Hirsch, www.abmc.gov, www.findagrave.com – Twilight, www.wwiimemorial.com, www.ancestry.com - Headstone and Interment Record / Rhonda Higgs Full Master File / WWII Draft Card, www.fold3.com
Photo source: www.findagrave.com - Andy / Loren Bender