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name
HUFFMAN, John Delbert III "Jack" - Date of
birth
11 May 1924 -
Age
19 - Place of
birth
Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana -
Hometown
Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana
Personal info
Military service
- Service
number
35579706 -
Rank
Staff Sergeant -
Function
Ball Turret Gunner -
Unit
549th Bombardment Squadron,
385th Bombardment Group, Heavy
-
Awards
Purple Heart,
Air Medal
Death
-
Status
Killed in Action - Date of
death
29 January 1944 - Place of
death
Kaiserslautern, Germany
Grave
-
Cemetery
American War Cemetery Ardennes
| Plot | Row | Grave |
|---|---|---|
| C | 26 | 3 |
Immediate family
-
Members
John D. Huffman (father)
Elizabeth Huffman (mother)
Grace Huffman (sister)
Jane E. Huffman (sister)
Plane data
- Serial
number
42-30251 -
Data
Nickname: Piccadilly Queen
Type: B-17F
Destination: Frankfurt Germany
MACR 2267
More information
S/Sgt Huffman graduated from Shortridge High School in June 1943. He enlisted in January 1943 and had been overseas since October 1943.He was reported wounded in action during a previous mission and returned to duty after he recovered.
The aircraft was seen to be the victim of violent attacks by enemy fighters between the target and the rally point. It was hit several times and the whole leading edge of one of the wings was blown off. Several crew members of other B-17s in the group saw that a Me-109 actually rammed the aircraft when it made a head on attack. It was last seen going down in the clouds.
Four crew members were taken prisoner, and six men were killed.
Source of information: Raf Dyckmans, Terry Hirsch, MACR, www.newspapers.com - The Indianapolis Star, www.ancestry.com - 1940 Census, WWII Draft Card
Photo source: Peter Schouteten, http://b17warhorse.fws1.com, www.newspapers.com - The Indianapolis Star / The Indianapolis News - 11 February 1944, www.ancestry.com - Shortridge High School Yearbook 1943