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name
GIRAUD, Wilbur Roy - Date of
birth
1 August 1918 -
Age
24 - Place of
birth
Alexandria, Hanson County, South Dakota -
Hometown
Fulton, Hanson County, South Dakota
Personal info
Military service
- Service
number
37275042 -
Rank
Technical Sergeant -
Function
Radio Operator -
Unit
367th Bombardment Squadron,
306th Bombardment Group, Heavy
-
Awards
Purple Heart,
Air Medal
Death
-
Status
Killed in Action - Date of
death
17 April 1943 - Place of
death
Stotel, Germany
Grave
-
Cemetery
American War Cemetery Margraten
| Plot | Row | Grave |
|---|---|---|
| H | 19 | 18 |
Immediate family
-
Members
Julius Giraud (father)
Nanette Giraud (mother)
Leontine Giraud (sister)
Albert Giraud (brother)
Inez Giraud (sister)
Charles Giraud (brother)
Lyle Giraud (sister)
Clarence Giraud (brother)
Thresa Giraud (sister)
Francis Giraud (sister)
Plane data
- Serial
number
42-29658 -
Data
Type: B-17F
Destination: Bremen, Germany
Mission: Bombing of the Focke-Wulf aviation industry
MACR: 15446
More information
T/Sgt Wilbur R Giraud graduated from Eastern State Normal College in 1938.For two years he taught in junior high school and was assistant coach and scoutmaster in the town of Gary, South Dakota. He returned to college at Illinois State Normal University and then Northwestern University where as a senior he entered the Army in May 1942.
The airplane was shot down by flak. Five crew members survived and were taken prisoner, five men were killed.
According to German documents, T/Sgt Giraud's death was caused by a bullet wound to the head and by the fall. A parachute was found near his body but most likely it failed to open completely.
He was initially buried at the cemetery of Geestemünde, Germany on 27 April 1943.
Source of information: Peter Schouteten, Raf Dyckmans, www.wwiimemorial.com
Photo source: www.findagrave.com - Des Philippet, Northwestern University alumni news, Terry Hirsch