Memorial

More information

S/Sgt Raymond C. Ertel volunteered for the Air Corps of the U.S. Army at Fort Thomas, Kentucky on 27 October 1942.

1st Lt John B. Davis Jr.:
On 20 July 1944 at 1058 hours over Friedrichshafen, Germany, I saw ship #42-52358, piloted by Lt. Hamlin peel off from our formation, while in the midst of heavy flak. Plane was last seen over Switzerland and was still under apparent control although crippled by flak.

T/Sgt Donald W. Anderson:
At first the only perceptible damage to plane from this fire, according to Anderson, was extensive damage to the co-pilot’s controls, which were virtually shot away. However, a short time later spraying gasoline was noticed on the flight deck and due to the imminent hazard of fire breaking out, crew bailed out of plane. A total time of approximately 5 minutes had elapsed between bombs-away and the abandoning of the plane. The plane was then at an altitude of approximately 15,000 feet and was flying over Lake Constance when the crew started bailing out. Seven of the nine members of the crew were either drowned or killed.

One photo shows his daughter Rebecca and his mother at the presentation of his Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters in March 1945.