Memorial

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Sgt Joseph P. Iannucelli enlisted in New York City, New York on 13 July 1943.

Statement from Sgt Melvin J. Coffey:
"On 3 July 1944, our group was on a mission to bomb the target (oil storage tanks) at Giurgiu, Rumania. I was flying as tail gunner in shipn#622 in #7 position in the high right of the 2nd attack unit. Lieutenant Walrath was flying in #5 position in lead element of the first attack unit. In the target area there was intense and accurate flak. Lt Walrath´s ship was hit in #4 engine causing him to feather it. Soon after this I saw six chutes leave the ship at regular intervals. The ship was still under control when I lost sight of it."

Sgt Iannucelli bailed out but later died of his wounds. Reported by Sgt Chambers, tail gunner that subject was last seen lying in the ship bleeding profusely and probably didn´t get out of the ship. Report probable. Other members of the crew who were all prisoners in Rumania were told by captors that Sgt Iannucelli´s body had been found not far from the scene of the plane crash with his chute popped, dead due to several bullets wounds in head, chest, etc. and broken bones due to the crash. He was dead when found.

Sgt Joseph P. Iannucelli was first buried at Temporary American Military Cemetery Neuville-en-Condroz, Belgium Block XS, Row 12, Grave 282.