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Personal info

Full name
HARRIGAN, Joseph James
Date of birth
8 May 1925
Age
19
Place of birth
Lawrence, Essex County, Massachusetts
Hometown
Essex County, Massachusetts

Military service

Service number
31362398
Rank
Sergeant
Function
Armorer Gunner
Unit
743rd Bombardment Squadron,
455th Bombardment Group, Heavy
Awards
Distinguished Flying Cross,
Purple Heart,
Air Medal

Death

Status
Killed in Action
Date of death
22 November 1944
Place of death
Altersberg, Community of Trebesing, Austria

Grave

Cemetery
American War Cemetery Ardennes
Plot Row Grave
A 38 57

Immediate family

Members
Joseph Harrigan (father)
Helen Harrigan (sister)
Francis Harrigan (brother)

Plane data

Serial number
44-41055
Data
Nickname: Miss Marjorie
Type: B-24J
Destination: 48´09´N / 11´30´E
Mission: Combat
MACR: 9947

More information

44-41055 took off from San Giovanni, Italy to bomb the marshalling yards at Villach, Austria. No flak was seen or bombs dropped due bad weather. Joseph was initially buried at the Cemetery at Altersberg on 25 November 1944. Of the 11 crewmembers, 4 were KIA and the 7 remaining crewmembers were taken prisoner.

Source of information: Astrid van Erp, Terry Hirsch, www.wwiimemorial.com, www.fold3.com, WWII Draft Card, 1940 US Census

Photo source: Peter Schouteten