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Personal info

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

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