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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 recconaissance
MACR: 11505
More information
Thomas Vollenweider attended college.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