Memorial

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Cpl James J. Szur enlisted in February 1941 but was released for essential war work at Dittmer Gear & Manufacturing Company. He was recalled to active duty in September 1941.

Statement from Capt Robert Pristou:
"On 19 September 1944, I was pilot of C-47A aircraft number 42-100756 and towing a CG4A Glider number 42-279442. I was leading an element of four ships and gliders to our drop zone. We all had instruments conditions over the Channel. This caused one of my ships to leave the formation. I continued on course with my three ships on 1200 feet. At this altitude we began to break through the overcast, as we broke throught we were about two miles in from the coast, in the vicinity of Blankenberghe, Belgium. As soon as we broke through the overcast I felt my glider cut. I told my Radio Operator to look out the dome so he could follow the glider. He said he pulled off to the right and struck the tow rope of the number two ship in my formation, in doing this he lost part of his wing tip and spun in. I notified my other ships that my glider had cut, and that they could continue on course. I circled down, released my rope and spotted the glider. It was a complete wreck. There was no sign of life at the scene of the wreckage. We were able to identify the glider by the number on the rudder."