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name
HICKS, Phillips Ernest - Date of
birth
23 December 1925 -
Age
19 - Place of
birth
Memphis, Shelby County, Tennessee -
Hometown
Jackson County, Missouri
Personal info
Military service
- Service
number
17136773 -
Rank
Sergeant -
Function
Tail Gunner -
Unit
496th Bombardment Squadron,
344th Bombardment Group, Medium
-
Awards
Purple Heart
Death
-
Status
Killed in Action - Date of
death
24 March 1945 - Place of
death
Near Colbe, Germany
Grave
-
Cemetery
American War Cemetery Lorraine
| Plot | Row | Grave |
|---|---|---|
| A | 22 | 51 |
Immediate family
-
Members
Ernest E. Hicks (father)
Velma C. (Phillips) Hicks (mother)
David W. Hicks (brother)
Plane data
- Serial
number
44-68101 -
Data
Type: B-26G-20-MA
Destination: Colbe, Germany
Mission: Not available
MACR: 13337
More information
Sgt Phillips E. Hicks joined the Regular Army in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas on 26 January 1944.He attended high school for 3 years.
Sgt Edward R. Wolcott:
Just as we reached the bomb line on the way to the target we encountered accurate heavy flak. I saw the aircraft piloted by Lt Ware just after it burst into flame. The aircraft was hit in the right engine and the right wing. The windshield of the pilot’s compartment was completely missing, the front of the aircraft was badly damaged. The right side of the aircraft was enveloped in flame. I saw the aircraft go into a spin and after it dropped about 3000 feet the right engine and the right wing broke off. All fire disappeared at that time. The aircraft continued to spin in. I did not see the aircraft crash. I did not see any chutes leave the aircraft.
Source of information: Peter Schouteten, www.abmc.gov, www.findagrave.com – Thomas & Darlene, www.wwiimemorial.com, www.archives.gov – WWII Enlistment Record, www.ancestry.com - Headstone and Interment Record / Owen Family Tree / 1940 Census, www.fold3.com
Photo source: www.findagrave.com - Astrid