Memorial

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S/Sgt Asha P. Small enlisted in Baltimore, Maryland on 7 November 1942.

Ship 438 was attacked by fighters at time of bombs away. It was last seen going down out of control and no chutes were observed. The airplane crashed around 2:30 PM, 1 km Southwest of Bolsward in a cow pasture. Their Liberator was the victim of a direct hit and set afire, they still had their bomb load and rather than drop them on civilianians they chose to crash with their bombs. Before they finally crashed they shot the German plane down, the pilot parachuting out and taken prisoner. The plane was burning so no one was allowed near. It burned till 7 o´clock that evening, when the bombs went off which blew everything in all directions.

Five bodies were found and four of them recognized. The other members of the crew were destroyed in the explosion of the bombs. The major of Bolsward got the bodies from the Germans, and immediately the town donated the money to buy the plot and pay the funeral expenses and care for the grave.

On Saturday December 24, 1943 at 3 o´clock P.M. the soldiers were buried with graveside services by 2 Catholic Priest. The funeral was attended by the whole town, the graves were completely covered with many flowers. They were buried in the Protestant section of the cemetery at the decision of the Major as they didn't know the religion of each soldier is on his identification tag.