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name
HEDERSTROM, Paul Andre Jr - Date of
birth
21 June 1920 -
Age
24 - Place of
birth
Girard, Trumbull County, Ohio -
Hometown
Trumbell County, Ohio
Personal info
Military service
- Service
number
O-026222 -
Rank
First Lieutenant -
Function
Pilot -
Unit
506th Fighter Squadron,
404th Fighter Group
-
Awards
Distinguished Flying Cross,
Air Medal with 9 Oak Leaf Clusters,
Purple Heart
Death
-
Status
Killed in Action - Date of
death
14 January 1945 - Place of
death
St. Vith, Belgium
Grave
-
Cemetery
American War Cemetery Henri-Chapelle
| Plot | Row | Grave |
|---|---|---|
| C | 9 | 21 |
Immediate family
-
Members
Paul A. Hederstrom (father)
Richard L. Hederstrom (brother)
Jack H. Hederstrom (brother)
Paul Hederstrom (nephew)
More information
Despite the advice offered by one of his officer instructors that he should seek a congressional appointment, that the odds were too great in securing an army appointment, he persevered and entered West Point in June 1940, graduating with his class in June 1943. One of the happiest moments of his life was when he learned that he had been assigned to fly fighters.While over the target, his plane was struck by enemy anti-aircraft fire. He was unhurt and heading back to his lines when the engine of his plane froze for lack of oil. Seven miles inside friendly territory, Paul attempted to parachute to the ground. He was killed effecting his release from the disabled plane.
Source of information: Michel Beckers, Jack Solomon, and the United States Military Academy at West Point
Photo source: Michel Beckers, Peter Schouteten, Jack Solomon, and the United States Military Academy at West Point