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name
MATHEWS, Fred Clarence - Date of
birth
5 May 1924 -
Age
20 -
Place of birth
Stamford, Fairfield County, Connecticut -
Hometown
Mahopac, Putnam County, New York
Personal info
Military service
- Service
number
32809376 -
Rank
Staff Sergeant -
Function
Ball Turret Gunner -
Unit
412th Bombardment Squadron,
95th Bombardment Group, Heavy
-
Awards
Purple Heart,
Air Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters
Death
-
Status
Killed in Action - Date of
death
16 August 1944 - Place of
death
Near Rehmsdorf, Germany
Grave
-
Cemetery
American War Cemetery Lorraine
| Plot | Row | Grave |
|---|---|---|
| K | 25 | 27 |
Immediate family
-
Members
Clarence E. Mathews (father)
Florence (Vale) Mathews (mother)
Plane data
- Serial
number
42-97797 -
Data
Type: B-17G
Nickname: Full House
Destination: Zeitz, Germany
Mission: Bombing of the oil refinery
MACR: 8175
More information
S/Sgt Fred C. Mathews worked on a farm before he enlisted in New York City, New York on 18 February 1943.Capt David E. Olsson:
B-17G 42-97797 piloted by 1st Lt Allen E. Hannum, was seen to receive a direct hit by flak in the right wing, over the target of Zeitz, Germany at 1133 hours. There was an explosion near #3 engine which knocked most of the right wing off. The aircraft slipped out of formation and about a minute later the aircraft was seen to disintegrate in the air. Four chutes were reported as having left the aircraft.
T/Sgt John W. Sharon:
He did not bail out he was trapped in the ball turret.
He is remembered at the Roxbury Cemetery in Stamford, Fairfield Connecticut.
Source of information: Peter Schouteten, www.abmc.gov, www.wwiimemorial.com, www.archives.gov, www.ancestry.com - Headstone and Interment Record / WWII Draft Cards Young Men, www.fold3.com - MACR, www.findagrave.com – OCW / Albert Ledoux
Photo source: www.findagrave.com – Laura S / Bob R