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Personal info

Full name
O'LEARY, James Timothy
Date of birth
5 October 1921
Age
22
Place of birth
Norwood, Norfolk County, Massachusetts
Hometown
Norwood, Norfolk County, Massachusetts

Military service

Service number
11081665
Rank
Technical Sergeant
Function
Radio Operator/Gunner
Unit
391st Bombardment Squadron,
34th Bombardment Group, Heavy
Awards
Purple Heart,
Air Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters

Death

Status
Missing in Action
Date of death
7 August 1944
Place of death
Malmedy, Belgium

Grave

Cemetery
American War Cemetery Ardennes
Walls of the Missing

Immediate family

Members
Michael J. O'Leary (father)
Mary F. O'Leary (mother)
Helen V. O'Leary (sister)
Mary F. O'Leary (sister)
Michael J. O'Leary (brother)

Plane data

Serial number
44-40323
Data
Type: B-24J
Nickname: Sunshine Rose
MACR: 7877

More information

T/Sgt James T. O'Leary graduated from Norwood High School in 1941.

The airplane was hit by flak in the bomb bay, causing a fire. It immediately pulled out of the formation and started to glide, leveled, started to climb, and then entered another glide as if it stalled. When it was last seen by crew members of others B-24s in the group, it seemed to be under control.

Four crew members were killed, four were taken prisoner, and one evaded capture.

Source of information: Peter Schouteten, Raf Dyckmans, Terry Hirsch, WWII Draft Card

Photo source: Jac Engels, Norwood High School 1939