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name
SWEM, Allan Bernard "Eddie" - Date of
birth
23 November 1918 -
Age
26 - Place of
birth
Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan -
Hometown
Lake Orion, Oakland County, Michigan
Personal info
Military service
- Service
number
36593456 -
Rank
Sergeant -
Function
Waist Gunner -
Unit
711th Bombardment Squadron,
447th Bombardment Group, Heavy
-
Awards
Air Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters
Death
-
Status
Killed in Action - Date of
death
15 March 1945 - Place of
death
Perleberg, Germany
Grave
-
Cemetery
American War Cemetery Ardennes
| Plot | Row | Grave |
|---|---|---|
| D | 7 | 33 |
Immediate family
-
Members
Allan B. Swem (father)
Della M. (Jodway) Swem (mother)
Daisy C. Swem (sister)
Robert Swem (brother)
Vivian L. (Daly) Swem (wife)
Plane data
- Serial
number
44-6016 -
Data
Type: B-17G
Nickname: TNT Katie
Destination: Oranienburg, Germany
Mission: Bombing of the marshalling yard
MACR: 13045
More information
The aircraft received a direct flak burst under the pilot's compartment and nose. The plane broke in half at the top turret. Crew members of two aircraft saw four parachutes, and three aircraft reported three parachutes. The two aircraft (4 and 5) closest to TNT Katie reported no parachutes. Another airplane reported it on fire and saw one parachute. They left the formation 10 to 12 minutes past the target on their way home near Perleberg.Bombardier 2nd Lt Sidney Murachver was blown out of the plane. Pilot 1st Lt Henry D. Chandler fell out of the plane before it hit the ground, and Navigator 1st Lt David Skalka bailed out. The rest of the crew (six men) were killed in the crash.
Source of information: Astrid van Erp, Raf Dyckmans, Robert Goeckel, Terry Hirsch, www.wwiimemorial.com, www.fold3.com, Orion Weekly Review 1945, www.ancestry.com - 1920 Census / Marriage Record
Photo source: Peter Schouteten, Robert Goeckel, Orion Weekly Review 1945