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name
GILLUM, John Nelson Jr - Date of
birth
3 April 1923 -
Age
21 - Place of
birth
Accomack County, Virginia -
Hometown
Charlottesville, Albemarle County, Virginia
Personal info
Military service
- Service
number
13119470 -
Rank
Staff Sergeant -
Function
Right Waist Gunner -
Unit
410th Bombardment Squadron,
94th Bombardment Group, Heavy
-
Awards
Distinguished Flying Cross,
Air Medal
Death
-
Status
Killed in Action - Date of
death
5 November 1944 - Place of
death
In the vicinity of Wiesenthal, Germany
Grave
-
Cemetery
American War Cemetery Lorraine
| Plot | Row | Grave |
|---|---|---|
| A | 13 | 47 |
Immediate family
-
Members
John N. Gillum (father)
Neva K. Gillum (mother)
Plane data
- Serial
number
43-38727 -
Data
Type: B-17G
Nickname: The Characters
Destination: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Mission: Bombing of the oil refeneries
MACR: 10306
More information
S/Sgt John N. Gillum enlisted in Richmond, Virginia on 28 October 1942Statement made in MACR:
"In compliance with basic communication, this Group can supply only the following information: The aircraft which Pilot Haller and crew were flying was observed to be hit by flak directly over the target (Ludwigshafen). Number two (2) engine was observed to be on fire and the tail section of the airplane was severely damaged. The aircraft was flying at 27,000 feet when hit by flak. Four (4) chutes were observed to come out of of the aircraft almost immediately and the aircraft last altitude while flying in a slow spiral to the left, apparently under control. Observers reported that the left wing was in flames. The weather at flight altitude was clear and the visibility was good. There was a complete undercast at about 10,000 feet and the aircraft was last seen as it entered these clouds. Observers reported that there was sufficient time for all members of the crew to get out of the aircraft."
He was initially buried in Sankt Leon, Germany on 7 November 1944
Source of information: André Koch, Terry Hirsch, www.abmc.gov, www.wwiimemorial.com, www.archives.gov – WWII Enlistment Record, www.ancestry.com - 1940 Census / Headstone and Interment Record, www.fold3.com - MACR
http://www.8thafhs.com
Photo source: www.findagrave.com, - AOsman, University of Virginia - Finding the Fallen