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Personal info

Full name
COURTNEY, John Robert
Date of birth
7 November 1921
Age
23
Place of birth
Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, Ohio
Hometown
Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Military service

Service number
15130419
Rank
Technical Sergeant
Function
Right Waist Gunner
Unit
324th Bombardment Squadron,
91st Bombardment Group, Heavy
Awards
Air Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters

Death

Status
Finding of Death
Date of death
21 November 1944
Place of death
1km West of Boehlen, Sacksen, Germany

Grave

Cemetery
American War Cemetery Henri-Chapelle
Tablets of the Missing

Immediate family

Members
Thomas Courtney (father)
Marie M. Courtney (mother)
Thomas Courtney Jr. (brother)
Elsie L. Courtney (sister)
James O. Courtney (brother)
Edward W. Courtney (brother)
Allen H. Courtney (brother)
Florence M. (Stettenfield) Courtney (wife)

Plane data

Serial number
43-37890
Data
Type: B-17G
Nickname: Fearless Fosdick
Destination: Merseburg, Germany
Mission: Bombardment
MACR: 10420

More information

T/Sgt John R. Courtney graduated from Lakewood High School and attended Massanutten Military Academy (Woodstock, Virginia). He was employed at the Pennsylvania-Railroad Company.

He enlisted in Cleveland, Ohio on 26 May 1942.

Statement by Captain Iver O. Tufty:
We were flying at 20000 feet altitude, in the vicinity of Merseburg, Germany. I first observed aircraft B-17-G, 43-37890, hit by flak. The aircraft pulled out of formation and went into a steep dive to the left. I observed No.3 engine to be on fire. Subject aircraft was in my view for approximately 45 seconds and seemed to be under control at all times. I saw no men leave the aircraft or parachutes open. It is my belief that the fire in No.3 engine was gradually going out.

Source of information: Dennis and Gerda Hermsen, Terry Hirsch, WWIIMemorial.com, NARA, www.fold3.com MACR, www.ancestry.com 1940 Census, WWII Draft Card

Photo source: Peter Schouteten, Steven C Thomas