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Personal info

Full name
GRZONA, Leroy J
Date of birth
1924
Age
unknown
Place of birth
Wisconsin
Hometown
Milwaukee County, Wisconsin

Military service

Service number
36816710
Rank
Sergeant
Function
Gunner
Unit
668th Bombardment Squadron,
416th Bombardment Group, Light
Awards
Purple Heart,
Air Medal

Death

Status
Killed in Action
Date of death
28 March 1945
Place of death
Near Ebrach, Germany

Grave

Cemetery
American War Cemetery Lorraine
Plot Row Grave
K 35 15

Plane data

Serial number
43-22495
Data
Type: A-26C
Destination: Ebrach, Germany
Mission: Oil Storage Depot
MACR: 13520

More information

Statement from 2nd Lt Ralph J. Lackner:
"I was flying in the #6 position behind F/O Harry G. Gunkel’s airplane, No. 43-22495 in the #3 position in Capt H. M. Evans flight. Just before reaching the I.P. the box ran into a heavy patch of clouds and it was quite difficult keeping in sight of the leader. Just after turning into the I.P. when we were still in 10/10 cloud coverage, F/O Gunkel fell back from his position nearly hitting my airplane and then peeled off to the left, I out my throttles and dropped down to avoid a collision. That was the last time I saw him. Shortly afterwards on the bomb run I regained my position in the flight."

Source of information: Peter Schouteten, www.abmc.gov, www.wwiimemorial.com, www.ancestry.com - 1940 Census, www.fold3.com, http://www.416th.com/missions/mission241.html
Photo source: -