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Personal info

Full name
BARCLAY, John Wallace
Date of birth
6 June 1923
Age
21
Place of birth
San Gabriel, Milam County, Texas
Hometown
Harris County, Texas

Military service

Service number
38419547
Rank
Sergeant
Function
Right Waist Gunner
Unit
324th Bombardment Squadron,
91st Bombardment Group, Heavy
Awards
Purple Heart

Death

Status
Killed in Action
Date of death
16 August 1944
Place of death
East of Eichenberg, Germany

Grave

Cemetery
American War Cemetery Ardennes
Plot Row Grave
A 22 6

Immediate family

Members
Louis E. Barclay (father)
Myrtle L. Barclay (mother)
Henry E. Barclay (brother)
William E. Barclay (brother)
Mary M. Barclay (sister)

Plane data

Serial number
42-39996
Data
Type: B-17G
Nickname: Boston Bombshell
Destination: Halle, Germany
MACR: 8179

More information

We were flying in No 2 position of lead element, altitude 25,400 feet, time 1000 to 1010 hours. At this time we were hit from the rear at 5 o'clock level by approximately 25 enemy fighters. When I first observed aircraft 42-39996, it was a mass of flames, all four motors were burning. The aircraft was flying in gradual turn, and at this time four parachutes came out. All of these four parachutes were burning and flaming.

Source of information: Peter Schouteten, Terry Hirsch, www.wwiimemorial.com, WWII Draft Card

Photo source: Peter Schouteten