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name
KWIATKOWSKI, Leonard J "Pat" - Date of
birth
1926 -
Age
unknown -
Place of birth
New York -
Hometown
Erie County, New York
Personal info
Military service
- Service
number
12241544 -
Rank
Sergeant -
Function
Ball Turret Gunner -
Unit
832nd Bombardment Squadron,
486th Bombardment Group, Heavy
-
Awards
Purple Heart,
Air Medal
Death
-
Status
Killed in Action - Date of
death
30 March 1945 - Place of
death
Hamburg-Langenhorn, Germany
Grave
-
Cemetery
American War Cemetery Ardennes
| Plot | Row | Grave |
|---|---|---|
| C | 5 | 16 |
Immediate family
-
Members
John Kwiatkowski (father)
Anna J. Kwiatkowski (mother)
Chester Kwiatkowski (brother)
Florian Kwiatkowski (brother)
Gertrude Kwiatkowsi (sister)
Regina Kwiatkowski (sister)
Plane data
- Serial
number
43-38142 -
Data
Type: B-17G
Nickname: Rodney the Rock
Destination: Hamburg, Germany
MACR: 13550
More information
Lt Veal and crew were flying#8142 the day they were shot down. Originally, #8142 was with the 835th and known as "Lil Butch". It was then transferred to the 832nd and became known as "Rodney the Rock". One of the aircraft's wings broke off, and began its dive. Shortly thereafter the aircraft exploded. Seven of te crewmen are listed as KIA and 2 POW. Lt Brunson did not fly with the crew on this day, and was not a member of the original crew.Sgt Kwiatkowski is remembered at the Saint Stanislaus Roman Catholic Cemetery in Cheektowaga, Erie County, New York.
Source of information: Terry Hirsch, www.fold3.com
Photo source: Jac Engels, 486th BGA, Buffalo Technical High School 1943, www.findagrave.com