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name
EASTERLING, William Thomas "Billy" - Date of
birth
6 February 1916 -
Age
28 - Place of
birth
Marlboro County, South Carolina -
Hometown
Clio, Marlboro County, South Carolina
Personal info
Military service
- Service
number
O-805792 -
Rank
Second Lieutenant -
Function
Co-Pilot -
Unit
735th Bombardment Squadron,
453rd Bombardment Group, Heavy
-
Awards
Purple Heart,
Air Medal
Death
-
Status
Killed in Action - Date of
death
8 April 1944 - Place of
death
North of Brunswick, Germany
Grave
-
Cemetery
American War Cemetery Ardennes
| Plot | Row | Grave |
|---|---|---|
| D | 26 | 21 |
Immediate family
-
Members
Andrew J. Easterling (father)
Julia E. (Hubbard) Easterling (mother)
Jack Easterling (brother)
Ray Easterling (brother)
Plane data
- Serial
number
41-29571 -
Data
Type: B-24H
Destination: Brunswick, Germany
Mission: Operational
MACR: 3928
More information
William Easterling was a salesman for the Marion Wholesale Grocery Company in Marion.He enlisted at Fort Jackson, South Carolina on 25 June 1941 and first volunteered to become a paratrooper.
He was sent overseas in December 1943.
Undersigned was radio operator on the B-24 of which S/Sgt Joseph Milano was waist gunner; 2nd Lt William T. Easterling, co-pilot; and S/Sgt Chauncey A. Rogers, ball turret gunner. While on bombing run over Brunswick, Germany, enemy fighters shot out the controls and no. 4 engine. The co-pilot was killed by a direct hit from a 20mm shell. S/Sgt Milano and Rogers failed to parachute out when the other seven members of the crew (including the radio operator) did. The seven parachuting out were captured by the enemy, but all were later liberated.
Statement from Robert N. Mitchell, 15382059, T/Sgt, 800th AAF Base Unit.
Source of information: Terry Hirsch, www.wwiimemorial.com, www.findagrave.com, www.fold3.com, WWII Draft Card
Photo source: www.findagrave.com