Memorial

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S/Sgt Joseph J. Pavelko volunteered for the Air Corps of the U.S. Army in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on 8 October 1942.

On the way back from the mission, the airplane was hit by a rocket, which destroyed the interphone and an engine. Also the construction of the hull was badly damaged. The airplane had to continue the flight without the protection of the formation, making it an easy target for fighters. Between Bolsward and Workum it was attacked by a formation of Bf 110's of ZS/26.
The plane was damaged so badly that the pilot, Lt John H. Allen decided to make a crash landing. Above Bakhuizen Sgt Bevins and Sgt Henry bailed out. Reaching the IJsselmeer, the pilot turned 180° and flew back in the direction of the Gaasterlandse Coast. Sgt John Elder bailed out but his parachute made him drifting towards the sea. The cold water ended his life. Sgt Joe Gill then bailed out but he opened his parachute to early. It wrapped itself around the tail. Reaching the cemetery of Mirns at 14.59, the airplane hit the low ridge and tipped over. Again, on the cemetery the plane tipped over again, destroying the bell tower and some headstones. Then, the plane tipped over again, rammed some trees and finally crashed, completely apart, in a field on the other side of the road. Although Sgt Joe Gill was still caught in his parachute, he survived the crash.
In total seven crew members lost their lives.

S/Sgt Joseph J. Pavelko, together with the crew members who died in the crash, was buried at the Roman Catholic cemetery of Bakhuizen.
Later he was first buried at block PPP, Row 11, Grave 261 at Margraten.