Memorial

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2nd Lt Edward J. Kempker attended Marquette University and was an actor.

He volunteered for the Air Corps of the Army of the United States in Omaha, Nebraska on 11 April 1942.

According to the statement of 1st Lt Robert M. Robinson the airplane was seen below the formation, in trouble. One observer reported the plane being followed down by an enemy aircraft and stated that the B-24 was in flames. In all, four parachutes were seen to open.

The airplane was shot down by Ludwig Reinbacher in a Fw 190A of JG11/1.

The entire crew of eleven was killed. According to documents in the MACR, nine of them, of which two unknowns (later concluded by U.S. authorities to be Sgts. Jeans and Perry), were buried at the parish cemetery of Uedem on 6 November 1943. Lt. Kempker was never identified on this German report, however his body was recovered by U.S. authorities much later.

Lt Kempker is buried next to his brother John C. Kempker.

Both brothers are also remembered at the Mount Olivet Cemetery in Carroll, Iowa.

Another brother, 1st Lt Robert Michael Kempker served with the 534th Bomber Squadron, 381st Bomber Group, Heavy and survived the war.