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name
RETCOFSKY, August Wilhelm - Date of
birth
31 January 1915 -
Age
28 - Place of
birth
Footdale, Fayette County, Pennsylvania -
Hometown
Fayette County, Pennsylvania
Personal info
Military service
- Service
number
13011220 -
Rank
Staff Sergeant -
Function
Waist Gunner -
Unit
368th Bombardment Squadron,
306th Bombardment Group, Heavy
-
Awards
Air Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters
Death
-
Status
Killed in Action - Date of
death
21 May 1943 - Place of
death
North Sea, north of Wilhelmshaven, Germany
Grave
-
Cemetery
American War Cemetery Ardennes
| Plot | Row | Grave |
|---|---|---|
| C | 13 | 30 |
Immediate family
-
Members
August W. Retcofsky (father)
Bertha H. (Festag) Retcofsky (mother)
Violet H. Retcofsky (sister)
Osacar L. Retcofsky (brother)
Frank A. Retcofsky (brother)
Walter E. Retcofsky (brother)
Paul H. Retcofsky (brother)
Plane data
- Serial
number
42-29806 -
Data
Type: B-17F
Destination: Wilhelmshaven, Germany
Mission: Bombing of the u-boat yards
MACR: 16018
More information
August Retcofsky joined the Air Corps of the Regular Army in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on 3 October 1940.At the target intense flak and heavy fighter opposition caused considerable damage to many aircraft in the formation. This aircraft was hit by flak and was last seen on the return trip over the North Sea, in trouble but under control, losing altitude and straggling behind the formation.
It ditched in the sea. Five crew members survived and were taken prisoner, five men were killed.
Source of information: Raf Dyckmans, www.wwiimemorial.com, www.fold3.com, www.usaafdata.com, www.ancestry.com
Photo source: Peter Schouteten