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name
NOVOTNY, Herbert Michael - Date of
birth
23 May 1922 -
Age
22 - Place of
birth
Benld, Macoupin County, Illinois -
Hometown
Washtenaw County, Michigan
Personal info
Military service
- Service
number
36584465 -
Rank
Staff Sergeant -
Function
Ball Turret Gunner -
Unit
859th Bombardment Squadron,
492nd Bombardment Group, Heavy
-
Awards
Purple Heart,
Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster
Death
-
Status
Killed in Action - Date of
death
7 July 1944 - Place of
death
Alikendorf, Germany
Grave
-
Cemetery
American War Cemetery Margraten
| Plot | Row | Grave |
|---|---|---|
| P | 22 | 8 |
Immediate family
-
Members
John Novotny (father)
Mary (Richvolsky) Novotny (mother)
John Novotny (brother)
Mary Novotny (sister)
Steve Novotny (brother)
Joe Novotny (brother)
Helen Novotny (sister)
George Novotny (brother)
Mike Novotny (brother)
Mildred E. Novotny (sister)
Irene Novotny (sister)
Plane data
- Serial
number
44-40132 -
Data
Type: B-24J
Nickname: I"ll Be Around
Destination: Bernburg, Germany
Mission: Bombing of the Junkers-Zweigwerke, aviation industry
MACR: 7230
More information
S/Sgt Herbert M. Novotny attended Ann Arbor High School in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He was employed by Ford Motor Car Company.After the bomber group dropped their bombs the fighter escort was drawn off to protect another formation. From that moment they were attacked by an overwhelming force of FW-190's.
The initial hit by enemy cannon fire killed both waistgunners, Byers and Brackins on the spot.
The plane went out of control, spinning as it fell.
Five men were able to bail out during the horror. As their chutes neared the ground the German soldiers below began firing at them.
Four crew members were taken prisoner, six were killed. They were initially buried at the cemetery of Alikendorf.
Source of information: Raf Dyckmans, Terry Hirsch, www.492ndbombgroup.com, www.ancestry.com - Headstone and Interment Record / 1920/1930 Census / WWII Draft Card
Photo source: Michel Beckers, www.492ndbombgroup.com, Ann Arbor High School 1941