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name
DENNING, Lonnie Moore - Date of
birth
3 July 1922 -
Age
21 - Place of
birth
Johnston County, North Carolina -
Hometown
Benson, Johnston County, North Carolina
Personal info
Military service
- Service
number
34457087 -
Rank
Technical Sergeant -
Function
Radio Operator -
Unit
347th Bombardment Squadron,
99th Bombardment Group, Heavy
-
Awards
Purple Heart,
Air Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters
Death
-
Status
Killed in Action - Date of
death
25 February 1944 - Place of
death
Near Berghausen, Austria
Grave
-
Cemetery
American War Cemetery Lorraine
| Plot | Row | Grave |
|---|---|---|
| A | 16 | 45 |
Immediate family
-
Members
Lonnie P. Denning (father)
Hattie M. (Wood) Denning (mother)
Charles E. Denning (brother)
Jerry W. Denning (brother)
Rosa L. Denning (sister)
Plane data
- Serial
number
42-31642 -
Data
Type: B-17G
Destination: Regensburg, Germany
Mission: Bombing of the aircraft factory
MACR: 2704
More information
T/Sgt Lonnie M. Denning worked on a farm before he enlisted at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, on 14 October 1942.S/Sgt Kenneth L. Bradt:
"I flew as ball turret gunner on B-17G 31848 on a mission 25 February 1944 to Regensburg, Germany. My plane was lead ship of the third element and B-17G 31642 was flying in the corresponding position in another squadron to the left of our formation. It was approximately 45 minutes before target time when I saw four enemy fighters, attacking in two’s making passes at 31642. The plane then left the formation, banking to the right and making almost a 360-degree turn. It seemed to be under control as it descended. There were eight parachutes near the plane when I last saw it."
Sgt Harris:
"I believe that Sgt Denning was injured. I saw him unconscious in the waist."
He is remembered at the George Denning Cemetery in Benson, Johnston County, North Carolina.
Source of information: Peter Schouteten, www.abmc.gov, www.wwiimemorial.com, www.archives.gov – WWII Enlistment Record, www.ancestry.com - Headstone and Interment Record / William D. Marsh Family Tree / 1930 Census, www.fold3.com, www.findagrave.com – Deb Holmes, http://aircrewremembered.com/USAAFCombatOperations/Feb.44.html
Photo source: www.findagrave.com – Laura S / Connie Adams