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name
PUETZ, Harold William - Date of
birth
15 January 1921 -
Age
23 - Place of
birth
Illinois -
Hometown
LaSalle County, Illinois
Personal info
Military service
- Service
number
16076054 -
Rank
Technical Sergeant -
Function
Engineer -
Unit
863rd Bombardment Squadron,
493rd Bombardment Group, Heavy
-
Awards
Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster
Death
-
Status
Killed in Action - Date of
death
12 September 1944 - Place of
death
Near Zilly, Germany
Grave
-
Cemetery
American War Cemetery Margraten
| Plot | Row | Grave |
|---|---|---|
| C | 7 | 28 |
Immediate family
-
Members
Peter F. Puetz (father)
Katherine M. (Schmitt) Puetz (mother)
Iona M. Puetz (sister)
Ronald W. Puetz (brother)
Roger J. Puetz (brother)
Colette M. Puetz (sister)
Plane data
- Serial
number
43-38261 -
Data
Type: B-17G
Destination: Magdeburg, Germany
Mission: Strategical
MACR: 8866
More information
The formation was attacked by enemy fighters at 23,000 feet, shortly after leaving the target area at 1110 hours and between the target (5207-1138) and the Rally Point (5210-1105). Seven of the twelve aircraft in this formation were lost.Of the seven aircraft lost, three have been definitely identified and circumstances so stated in their particular Missing Air Crew Report. A/C 261 is believed to be one of the four unidentified aircrafts that were seen to go down in flames as a result of fighter attack. Of the four unidentified aircraft lost, five to six chutes were seen. Whether or not they were out of A/C 261 could not be determined.
T/Sgt Harold W. Puetz, F/O John R. Hewitt and 2nd Lt Kenneth D. Evans bailed out and were alright when they hit the ground but were shot by German Luftwaffe soldiers. Statement from T/Sgt Eugene A. Pax, 16155396. They were initially buried in Zilly Cemetery, Germany.
Source of information: Astrid van Erp, www.wwiimemorial.com, www.ancestry.com, www.fold3.com
Photo source: www.ancestry.com, www.findagrave.com, Des Philippet