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Personal info

Full name
WING, John Gardner
Date of birth
20 December 1908
Age
35
Place of birth
Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania
Hometown
Lucas County, Ohio

Military service

Service number
35325157
Rank
Technical Sergeant
Function
Radio Operator
Unit
856th Bombardment Squadron,
492nd Bombardment Group, Heavy
Awards
Purple Heart,
Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster

Death

Status
Killed in Action
Date of death
7 July 1944
Place of death
Between Westeregeln and Egeln, Germany

Grave

Cemetery
American War Cemetery Ardennes
Plot Row Grave
A 42 23

Immediate family

Members
Marcus T. C. Wing (father)
Florence H. (Willis) Wing (mother)
Willis K. Wing (brother)

Plane data

Serial number
44-40156
Data
Type: B-24J
Destination: Bernburg, Germany
Mission: Bombing
MACR: 7233

More information

T/Sgt John G. Wing graduated from Jesup W. Scott High School in 1924. He was a District Sales Manager for Household Paper Products.

He enlisted on 31 March 1942 in Toledo, Ohio.

The crew's final mission was on 7 July 1944 which targeted a German aircraft manufacturing plant in Bernburg. They were shot down during the fierce air battle over the target. Three of the crewmen were killed in action while the rest were able to bail out to become POW´s.

The bodies were recovered and buried locally. After the war, they were taken to an American cemetery.

Source of information: Terry Hirsch, Kathy McDermott, 492nd Bomb Group, WWII Memorial, Fold3 - MACR

Photo source: Peter Schouteten, Jesup W. Scott High School 1924, Toledo Blade - 21 October 1942