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name
BOYLE, Francis Michael - Date of
birth
1918 -
Age
unknown -
Place of birth
Michigan -
Hometown
Grand Haven, Ottawa County, Michigan
Personal info
Military service
- Service
number
O-747197 -
Rank
First Lieutenant -
Function
Pilot -
Unit
727th Bombardment Squadron,
451st Bombardment Group, Heavy
-
Awards
Distinguished Flying Cross,
Purple Heart,
Air Medal
Death
-
Status
Killed in Action - Date of
death
5 May 1944 - Place of
death
North of Craiova, Rumania
Grave
-
Cemetery
American War Cemetery Lorraine
| Plot | Row | Grave |
|---|---|---|
| E | 16 | 23 |
Immediate family
-
Members
Frank Boyle (father)
Ella M. Boyle (mother)
Leon E. Boyle (brother)
Betty L. Boyle (wife)
Plane data
- Serial
number
41-29239 -
Data
Type: B-24H
Destination: Ploesti, Rumania
Mission: Bombing of the oil fields
MACR: 5446
More information
1st Lt John J. Kavanaugh:"On 5 May 1944, 1st Lt Francis M. Boyle was flying as pilot in aircraft #41-29239, as leader of the second element of the lead flight, in an operational mission against oil refineries in Rumania. Directly over the target the aircraft was hit by flak, and caught on fire in the fuselage, between the wings. The crew of the plane attempted to beat the flames out, but it was impossible, and eight or nine chutes were seen to open before the wings folded up, and the aircraft went down."
T/Sgt Vernon R. Mac Neil:
"He was getting ready to bail out when the plane blew up."
Source of information: Peter Schouteten, www.abmc.gov, www.wwiimemorial.com, www.ancestry.com - Headstone and Interment Record / 1920/1940 Census, www.fold3.com, www.findagrave.com – Alex K
Photo source: www.findagrave.com – Alex K, www.ancestry.com – U.S. School Yearbooks Grand Haven High School, Arie-Jan van Hees - Pilot Class Book 43-E Chico AAF California