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name
NEAL, Latham Wilson - Date of
birth
13 October 1923 -
Age
20 - Place of
birth
Bankston, Fayette County, Alabama -
Hometown
Fayette County, Alabama
Personal info
Military service
- Service
number
34708771 -
Rank
Sergeant -
Function
Right Waist Gunner -
Unit
332nd Bombardment Squadron,
94th Bombardment Group, Heavy
-
Awards
Purple Heart,
Air Medal
Death
-
Status
Killed in Action - Date of
death
21 July 1944 - Place of
death
Bavel, The Netherlands
Grave
-
Cemetery
American War Cemetery Margraten
| Plot | Row | Grave |
|---|---|---|
| A | 1 | 9 |
Immediate family
-
Members
Frank W. Neal (father)
Sula (Brown) Neal (mother)
Irick Neal (brother)
Beatrice Neal (sister)
Nellie Neal (sister)
Melba Neal (sister)
Fay Neal (sister)
Jack Neal (brother)
Charlotte Neal (sister)
Edith I. (Cooper) Neal (wife)
LaGara Neal Rose (daughter)
Plane data
- Serial
number
42-31013 -
Data
Type: B-17F
Destination: Regensburg, Germany
MACR: 7836
More information
Sgt Latham W. Neal was an airplane mechanic.He enlisted at Fort McClellan, Alabama on 6 March 1943.
His daughter was only seven months when he was killed.
The aircraft was hit by flak on course into target at 5120N-0440E while flying at 20,000 feet at 0850 hours. The aircraft appeared to be hit between #1 and #2 engines. The aircraft turned over on its back and then resumed normal flying position. It then dropped off into a spin and was seen to explode before hitting the ground. The aircraft was burning and flames were visible. It burned out in the crash and explosion of bombs, it was destroyed for 99%. Three engines burned out and one engine was found deep in the ground. Four chutes were observed. Latham was first reported as MIA but KIA as of 17 March 1945.
Source of information: Terry Hirsch, www.wwiimemorial.com, www.fold3.com, www.ancestry.com - 1940 census / Family Trees, Tuscaloosa Virtual Museum
Photo source: Peter Schouteten, Lisa Landman, Tim Seman - Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County