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Personal info

Full name
ROSLEFSKE, Edward A
Date of birth
1925
Age
unknown
Place of birth
Snohomish, Snohomish County, Washinhgton
Hometown
Snohomish, Snohomish County, Washington

Military service

Service number
39215073
Rank
Sergeant
Function
Tail Gunner
Unit
778th Bombardment Squadron,
464th Bombardment Group, Heavy
Awards
Purple Heart,
Air Medal

Death

Status
Killed in Action
Date of death
6 December 1944
Place of death
Near Malženice, Czechoslovakia

Grave

Cemetery
American War Cemetery Lorraine
Plot Row Grave
D 25 41

Immediate family

Members
Anthony J. Roslefske (father)
Elizabeth G. (Rekdal) Roslefske (mother)
Lucille Y. Roslefske (sister)
Palma Roslefske (sister)
Charlotte Roslefske (sister)

Plane data

Serial number
44-786409
Data
Type: B-24J
Destination: Devinska Nova Ves, Czechoslovakia
Mission: Bombing of the marshalling yards
MACR: 10221

More information

S/Sgt William W. Skinner:
"I was left waist gunner on Capt Steven’s plane, 6 December 1944. I saw 4 enemy fighters ME-109s attack Lt Steven's plane at 0600 level. Then No.3 engine of Lt Steven's plane caught fire and I saw 2 chutes come out of his plane. Then the plane went into a dive and spun for about 1,000 to 3,000 feet. Then I saw 2 more chutes leave the plane, and then the plane exploded.

Sgt Anthony J. Cavallo:
"Last seen firing at attacking planes which were making tail attack. Probably killed in turret. Intense fire directed at tail.

After the war, his crewmate, Sgt William L. McLaughlin, recommended Sgt Schonfield for the posthumous award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. While the plane was badly damaged and the order to bail out was given, Sgt Schonfield, Sgt Roslefske and Sgt Penman, who was already recommended for the Distinguished Service Cross, gave first aid to and fastened the parachute of Sgt Cavello, the radio operator, who was wounded, before pushing him out. By the time the wounded man was pushed to safety, it was too late to jump and the damaged B-24 blew up, killing Penman and Roslefske. Sgt Schonfield was killed by enemy fire just before the explosion.

Source of information: Peter Schouteten, www.abmc.gov, www.wwiimemorial.com, www.ancestry.com - Headstone and Interment Record / Presidents Generals and Royalty, www.fold3.com, http://aircrewremembered.com/USAAFCombatOperations/Dec.44.html
Photo source: -