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name
VOLLENWEIDER, Thomas Charles - Date of
birth
17 December 1924 -
Age
20 -
Place of birth
Hankow, China -
Hometown
Lynbrook, Nassau County, New York
Personal info
Military service
- Service
number
O820371 -
Rank
Second Lieutenant -
Function
Pilot -
Unit
22nd Fighter Squadron,
36th Fighter Group
-
Awards
Purple Heart
Death
-
Status
Killed in Action - Date of
death
27 December 1944 - Place of
death
Five miles northwest of Bastogne, Belgium
Grave
-
Cemetery
American War Cemetery Henri-Chapelle
| Plot | Row | Grave |
|---|---|---|
| G | 1 | 25 |
Immediate family
-
Members
Traugott C. Vollenweider (father)
Ivy M. Vollenweider (mother)
Muriel Vollenweider (sister)
Plane data
- Serial
number
44-20211 -
Data
Type: P-47D
Mission: Armed reconnaissance
MACR: 11505
More information
Thomas C. Vollenweider attended Norwich University with the class of 1946.He enlisted in New York City, New York, on 10 February 1943.
Statement 1st Lt Joseph E. Ferrar, who flew in the same mission: "On 27 December 1944, I was flying directly behind Lt Vollenweider as our flight made a dive to strafe motor vehicles, in the area five miles northwest of Bastogne, Belgium. I noticed a terrific explosion and fire in the target area, which was undoubtedly made by a crashing aircraft. I have no doubt, but this was caused by Lt Vollenweider's exploding plane, although I did not actually see the plane hit the ground. The flak was not intense in this area. I think that there is a possibility that Lt Vollenweider miscalculated in his dive."
Source of information: Raf Dyckmans, Peter Schouteten, www.wwiimemorial.com
Photo source: FOHF, 36thFighterGroup.com, U.S. School Yearbook