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name
LEIBENSPERGER, Russell F - Date of
birth
12 September 1915 -
Age
29 - Place of
birth
Muhlenberg, Berks County, Pennsylvania -
Hometown
Reading, Berks County, Pennsylvania
Personal info
Military service
- Service
number
33232612 -
Rank
Staff Sergeant -
Function
Gunner -
Unit
455th Bombardment Squadron,
323rd Bombardment Group, Medium
-
Awards
Purple Heart,
Air Medal with 11 Oak Leaf Clusters
Death
-
Status
Killed in Action - Date of
death
26 December 1944 - Place of
death
In the vicinity of Ronchampay, Belgium
Grave
-
Cemetery
American War Cemetery Margraten
| Plot | Row | Grave |
|---|---|---|
| D | 1 | 22 |
Immediate family
-
Members
George R. Leibensperger (father)
Ruth I. (Miller) Leibensperger (mother)
Hazel A. Leibensperger (sister)
Stewart J. Leibensperger (brother)
Clair R. Leibensperger (brother)
Lynn M. Leibensperger (brother)
Betty R. Leibensperger (sister)
Plane data
- Serial
number
41-34955 -
Data
Type: B-26C
Nickname: Mission Belle
Destination: Houffalize, Belgium
MACR: 11488
More information
Russell Leibensperger worked on a farm.He enlisted at Harrisberg, Pennsylvania on 4 June 1942.
The airplane was hit by a direct burst of flak between the left engine noselle and the fuselage. His left main tank apparently exploded, blowing pieces of the wing top off. The plane pulled off sharply to the left and went down in a rather steep angle.
The entire crew of six men was killed.
His brother Stewart is buried next to him.
Source of information: Terry Hirsch, Carla Mans, WWIIMemorial.com, NARA, MACR 11488, 1940 Census
Photo source: Michel Beckers, Arie-Jan van Hees, Diane (Leibensperger) Wolfe (Niece)