Memorial

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F/O Frank D. Gallion had taken off from England to escort American B-17 bombers, on route to a military base in Wilhelmshaven, Germany.

Statement from Julius W. Toy, Captain, A.C., Assistent S-3:

Group led by Lt Colonel Blakeslee crossed in enemy coast 1225 hours, 1 1/2 minutes late at 25,000 feet just south of Kijkduin. As Group levelled off, 334 Squadron flying to starboard at 26,000 feet were bounced by 8 enemy aircraft from south and south-west and 3 to 4,000 feet above. Enemy aircraft were ME-109´s and attacked in fours, climed and attacked again, turning inside of and out-climbing our aircraft. 334 Squadron jettisoned tanks on bounce and were broken up. Upper with 335, tried to turn into the sun in order to climb to help, but were bounced by 3 to 4 ME-109´s from out of the sun, breaking up two sections. As 335 continued turn, squadron was attacked by 8 to 12 more enemy aircraft. Attacks were make by twos, fours and fives. 336 Squadron covered 334 and 335 Squadron, curing the combat, in which our aircraft and enemy aircraft made seven wide orbits, centering on Hypolitushoef. A P-47 was seen going down in flames, vicinity of Opmeer, after attack by ME-109. Another aircraft, believed to be a P-47, went into the Zuider-Zee just off Hypolitushoef. No chutes seen in either case. In as much as we were the only Group in this sector at this time, it is thought that F/O Gallion was flying one of the P-47´s that was seen to go down.

In 1995, more than 52 years after his plane was shot down, the remains of the flier were found in the Zuider Zee, Netherlands. Frank D. Gallion was laid to rest in Ohio.