1944 – Pagina 18 – ww2 Pacific

Abbott, George Harold

Name and Rank, Machinist’s Mate Second Class George Harold Abbott.

Unit/Placed in, USS Reid (DD-369) Destroyer, United States Naval Reserve.

George was born approx. in 1916 in Montana.

Father, Paul H. Abbott.

Mother, Nina (Middlekauf) Abbott.

Stepfather, Paul M. Abbott.

Sister, Catherine Abbott.

Brother, Robert Abbott.

George entered the service from Washington with service number # 6645405.

George H. Abbott was a Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class in the United States Navy.

George H. Abbott was KIA when the USS Reid was attack by various Kamikaze planes and sunk at Suriago Straits on December 11, 1944, and he is honored with the Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, Army Presidential Unit Citation, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, WW II Victory Medal.

George is buried at Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, Manila, Metro Manila,

National Capital Region, Philippines.

Thanks to http://ussreid369.org/ShipmateIndex/Shipmates_A.htm

http://ussreid369.org/

http://www.navsource.org/archives/05/369.htm

Jean Louis Vijgen, WW2-Pacific Website.

Air Force Info, Rolland Swank.

ABMC Website, https://abmc.gov

Marines Info, https://missingmarines.com/ Geoffrey Roecker

Seabees History Bob Smith https://seabeehf.org/

Navy Info, http://navylog.navymemorial.org

POW Info, http://www.mansell.com Dwight Rider and Wes injerd.

Philippine Info, http://www.philippine-scouts.org/ Robert Capistrano

National Historian

Navy Seal Memorial, http://www.navysealmemorials.com

Family Info, https://www.familysearch.org

Info, https://www.pacificwrecks.com/

Medals Info, https://www.honorstates.org

Website,

Find a Grave, https://www.findagrave.com

Roelher, Helen Mary

Name and Rank, Ensign Helen Mary Roehler.

Unit/Placid in, 28th Field Hospital, Naval Base Mears Dutch Harbor, Alaska, United States Navy.

Helen was born approx. on 10 July 1918 in Minnesota.

Father, William L. Roehler.

Mother, Carrie Roehler.

Sister, Valerie, Mary and Adela Roehler

Brother, Henry and Oscar Roehler.

Helen entered the service from Minnesota with service number # no record.

Helen M. Roehler was a nurse in the United States Navy.

Ensign Helen M. Roehler and her colleges, Lt. Lucille Hendricks and Ensign Ruby Touquan got Killed as passengers, with Pilot Lt. Leroy McElroy, when the plane a Grumman J4F-2, flew from Dutch Harbor to Otter Point, Umnak Island, Alaska and crashed on Mount Idak, in Alaska on April 23, 1944.

Helen is buried at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, Hennepin County,

Minnesota, USA.

Thanks to Three Norco nurses who died in World War II are forgotten no longer – Press Enterprise (pe.com)

https://www.myamericannurse.com/three-nurses-died-world-war-ii-forgotten-no-longer/

https://www.facebook.com/rememberthosewhoserved/posts/1323532921029292/

Jean Louis Vijgen, WW2-Pacific Website.

Air Force Info, Rolland Swank.

ABMC Website, https://abmc.gov

Marines Info, https://missingmarines.com/ Geoffrey Roecker

Seabees History Bob Smith https://seabeehf.org/

Navy Info, http://navylog.navymemorial.org

POW Info, http://www.mansell.com Dwight Rider and Wes injerd.

Philippine Info, http://www.philippine-scouts.org/ Robert Capistrano

National Historian

Navy Seal Memorial, http://www.navysealmemorials.com

Family Info, https://www.familysearch.org

Info, https://www.pacificwrecks.com/

Medals Info, https://www.honorstates.org

Website,

Find a Grave, https://www.findagrave.com

Adler, Carl Joseph

Name and Rank, Staff Sergeant Carl Joseph Adler.

Unit/placed in, 820th Bomber Squadron, 41st Bomber Group (Medium).

Carl was born approx. on Sep. 13, 1920 in Sharon, Pennsylvania.

Father, Andrew O. Adler.

Mother, Myrtle H. (Rutter) Adler.

Sisters, Florence M. and Mary L. Adler.

Brothers, Russell C., Paul A. Clarence F. and William J. Adler.

Carl entered the service from Pennsylvania with service number # 33272584.

Carl J. Adler rank/duty was a Staff Sergeant/Armored Gunner (B-25) in the 820th Bomber Squadron.

Carl’s crewmembers and their position onboard the plane a B-25 were;

2ndLt. Charless A. Gross Jr. Pilot

2ndLt. Junnie G. Carter Co Pilot

2ndLt. George M. Bourdon Bombardier/Navigator

T/Sgt. James E. Anderson Radio Operator/Gunner

T/Sgt. Nicole G. Gervasoni Engineer/Gunner

S/Sgt. Carl J. Adler Armored/Gunner

Carl was KIA in the Bombing mission over Maloelap Atoll, Marshall Islands, when they were was shot down by a “Zeke” Fighter, on Jan. 15, 1944, and he is honored with an Air Medal, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, Army Presidential Unit Citation, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, WW II Victory Medal.

Carl is mentioned/buried at Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, Manila,

Metro Manila, National Capital Region, Philippines.

He also has a Memorial Grave at Oakwood Cemetery

Sharon, Mercer County, Pennsylvania, USA.

Thanks to http://41stbombgrp.com/

Jean Louis Vijgen, WW2-Pacific Website.

Air Force Info, Rolland Swank.

ABMC Website, https://abmc.gov

Marines Info, https://missingmarines.com/ Geoffrey Roecker

Seabees History Bob Smith https://seabeehf.org/

Navy Info, http://navylog.navymemorial.org

POW Info, http://www.mansell.com Dwight Rider and Wes injerd.

Philippine Info, http://www.philippine-scouts.org/ Robert Capistrano

National Historian

Navy Seal Memorial, http://www.navysealmemorials.com

Family Info, https://www.familysearch.org

Info, https://www.pacificwrecks.com/

Medals Info, https://www.honorstates.org

Website,

Find a Grave, https://www.findagrave.com

Xita, Costa

Name and Rank, Staff Sergeant Kosta Xita.

Unit/Placed in, 374th Bomber Squadron, 308th Bomber Group (Heavy).

Kosta was born approx. on 1922 in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania.

Father, Chris Xita.

Mother, Pheresofone Xita.

Sister, Angelina Xita.

He enlisted the service on Oct. 5, 1942 at Pennsylvania with service number # 13124587.

Kost’s his Crewmembers and positions on the B-24 were,

2ndLt. Lyle L. Schulzkump Pilot

2ndLt. Rex D. Arnold Co Pilot

2ndLt. Seymour Goldsmith Navigator

2ndLt. Luther W. Tate Bombardier

S/Sgt. Kosta Xita Engineer

S/Sgt. John R. Rice Radio Operator

S/Sgt. Matthew O. Kelsey Asst. Engineer

S/Sgt. Robert V. Sayer Gunner

S/Sgt. Anthony S. Kryscio Radar Observer

T/Sgt. Paul J. Koerner Gunner

Kosta Xita was a Staff Sergeant/Engineer (B-24) in the 374th Bomber Squadron.

Kosta was KIA because (presumably) his plane was attacked, shot and crashed in sea, on May 26, 1944, and he is honored with the Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, Army Presidential Unit Citation, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, WW II Victory Medal.

Costa is buried at Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, Manila, Metro Manila, National Capital Region, Philippines.

Tablets of the Missing.

Thanks to

Jean Louis Vijgen, WW2-Pacific Website.

Air Force Info, Rolland Swank.

ABMC Website, https://abmc.gov

Marines Info, https://missingmarines.com/ Geoffrey Roecker

Seabees History Bob Smith https://seabeehf.org/

Navy Info, http://navylog.navymemorial.org

POW Info, http://www.mansell.com Dwight Rider and Wes injerd.

Philippine Info, http://www.philippine-scouts.org/ Robert Capistrano

National Historian

Navy Seal Memorial, http://www.navysealmemorials.com

Family Info, https://www.familysearch.org

Info, https://www.pacificwrecks.com/

Medals Info, https://www.honorstates.org

Website,

Find a Grave, https://www.findagrave.com

On May 26, 1944, he was flying as an Engineer on a radar reconnaissance mission. Attempting to get below threatening weather, the aircraft hit Morshih Kou Shan Mountain, between the villages of Na Fa and Ta Shaun. The aircraft was equipped with long-range extra fuel tanks, and the resulting explosion after crash was so severe that only small fragments of the aircraft were recovered. All aboard died, and no remains were recovered.
Missing Air Crew Report 5346 lists the pilot as Lt. Lyle L. Schulzkump.
Many of the aircraft assignment records, mission loading lists, and air crew assignments from 308th Bomb Group are missing or illegible..

La Blanc, Byron E

Name and Rank, Sergeant Byron E. La Blanc.

Unit/Placed in, 425th Bomber Squadron, 308th Bomber Group (Heavy).

Byron was born approx. on Sep. 5, 1921 in Wisconsin.

Father, William A. La Blanc.

Mother, Emily (Laconic) La Blanc.

Sister, Alice La Blanc.

Brothers, John, Laurence, Ervin, Francis and Ronald La Blanc.

Byron entered the service from Wisconsin with service number # 36805260.

Byron E. La Blanc was a Left Waist Gunner in the 425th Bomber Squadron.

Byron’s crewmembers and there position onboard the plane a B-24 were,

2nd Lt. Evert P. Mitchell Pilot

2nd Lt. Francis G. Steiger Co Pilot

2nd Lt. Fred R. Massing Navigator

F/O Howard J. Lundberg Bombardier

S/Sgt. Leonard W. Habel Engineer/Gunner

S/Sgt. Reese Hunter Jr. Radio Operator/Gunner

Sgt. Robert H. Kuhns Right Waist Gunner

Sgt. Byron E. La Blanc Left Waist Gunner

Cpl. Lawrence C. Hedlund Radar Observer/Gunner

Byron E. La Blanc was Killed in Action due to bad weather during a night mission to Mine Lying at Kunming, China, when there was nothing on the Radio of there where abouts on Aug. 9, 1944, and he is honored with the Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, Army Presidential Unit Citation, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, WW II Victory Medal.

And he is buried at Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, Manila, Metro Manila,

National Capital Region, Philippines.

He has a Memorialgrave at Saint Ann Cemetery, Turtle Lake, Barron County, Wisconsin, USA.

Thanks to http://www.usaaf-in-cbi.com/308th_web/index.htm

Jean Louis Vijgen, WW2-Pacific Website.

Air Force Info, Rolland Swank.

ABMC Website, https://abmc.gov

Marines Info, https://missingmarines.com/ Geoffrey Roecker

Seabees History Bob Smith https://seabeehf.org/

Navy Info, http://navylog.navymemorial.org

POW Info, http://www.mansell.com Dwight Rider and Wes injerd.

Philippine Info, http://www.philippine-scouts.org/ Robert Capistrano

National Historian

Navy Seal Memorial, http://www.navysealmemorials.com

Family Info, https://www.familysearch.org

Info, https://www.pacificwrecks.com/

Medals Info, https://www.honorstates.org

Website,

Find a Grave, https://www.findagrave.com

Saar, Howard E.

Name and Rank, First Lieutenant Howard E. Saar.

Unit/Placed in, 674th Bomber Squadron ”Wolfpack”, 417th Bomber Group Light “Sky Lancers”.

Howard was born approx. on Dec. 11, 1920 in Chicago, Illinois.

Father, Oscar Saar.

Mother, Margret B. Saar.

Brother, Harold Saar.

Howard enlisted the service at Chicago with service number # O-806135.

Howard‘s Crew-members and their position on-board the plane a A-20 were,

1^st Lt. Howard E. Saar Pilot

SSgt. Martin A. Lawrence Engineer/Gunner

Howard was KIA on the Mission when 1 Engine was shot and the other stopped working, they were going in a Crash Landing on Sep. 11 1944, he is honored with an Air Medal, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, Army Presidential Unit Citation, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, WW II Victory Medal.

Howard is buried at Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, Manila, Metro Manila,

National Capital Region, Philippines.

Thanks to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/674th_Bombardment_Squadron

https://pacificwrecks.com/airfields/indonesia/kamiri/1944/kamiri-airstrip.html

Jean Louis Vijgen, WW2-Pacific Website.

Air Force Info, Rolland Swank.

ABMC Website, https://abmc.gov

Marines Info, https://missingmarines.com/ Geoffrey Roecker

Seabees History Bob Smith https://seabeehf.org/

Navy Info, http://navylog.navymemorial.org

POW Info, http://www.mansell.com Dwight Rider and Wes injerd.

Philippine Info, http://www.philippine-scouts.org/ Robert Capistrano

National Historian

Navy Seal Memorial, http://www.navysealmemorials.com

Family Info, https://www.familysearch.org

Info, https://www.pacificwrecks.com/

Medals Info, https://www.honorstates.org

Website,

Find a Grave, https://www.findagrave.com

Bachman, Vernon Louis

Rank and Name, Staff Sergeant Vernon Louis Bachman.

Unit/Placed in, 403rd Bomber Squadron, 43rd Bomber Group, Heavy.

Vernon is born approx. on 1924 in Cottonwood, Minnesota.

Father, Louis Bachman.

Mother, Myrtle E. (Tyler) Bachman.

Vernon enlisted the service in Iowa with service number # 37667074.

Vernon‘s Crew-members and their position on-board the plane a B-24 were,

1^st Lt. Richard W. Kaiss Pilot

2^nd Lt. Robert B. Williams Co Pilot

FO John C. Dillon Jr. Navigator

2^nd Lt. Joseph R. Limoncello Bombardier

T Sgt. Kenneth E. Gamage Engineer

S Sgt. Richard H. Ungemag Asst. Engineer

T Sgt. Manuel Madrigal Radio Operator

S Sgt. John J. Rounds Gunner

S Sgt. Harry E. Tressel Gunner

S Sgt. Vernon L. Bachman Gunner

S Sgt. John J. Hess Passenger

Vernon was KIA during the mission when they crashed in the mountain, due to several occasions way the plane wasn’t manageable anymore on 7 July 1945, he is honored with an Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, Army Presidential Unit Citation, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, WW II Victory Medal.

Manila is buried/mentioned at Manila American Cemetery and Memorial Manila, Metro Manila, National Capital Region, Philippines.

Walls of the missing.

Thanks to, https://www.kensmen.com/

http://www.historyofwar.org/air/units/USAAF/43rd_Bombardment_Group.html

Jean Louis Vijgen, WW2-Pacific Website.

Air Force Info, Rolland Swank.

ABMC Website, https://abmc.gov

Marines Info, https://missingmarines.com/ Geoffrey Roecker

Seabees History Bob Smith https://seabeehf.org/

Navy Info, http://navylog.navymemorial.org

POW Info, http://www.mansell.com Dwight Rider and Wes injerd.

Philippine Info, http://www.philippine-scouts.org/ Robert Capistrano

National Historian

Navy Seal Memorial, http://www.navysealmemorials.com

Family Info, https://www.familysearch.org

Info, https://www.pacificwrecks.com/

Medals Info, https://www.honorstates.org

Website,

Find a Grave, https://www.findagrave.com

Bachor, August J.

Rank and Name, Staff Sergeant August J. Bachor.

Unit/Placed in, Headquarters Squadron, V Air Service Command.

August is born approx. on 1917 in New York.

Parents and Siblings, No Record Available.

August enlisted the service in New York with service number # 32225289.

August‘s Crew-members and their position on-board the plane a B-17 were,

Lt. Col. Walter P. Piehl Pilot

Captain Alan C. Attebery Co Pilot

TSgt. Edgar W. Elseman Crew Captain

SSgt. Cortez A. Beal Engineer

SSgt. Henry Y. Willis Radio Operator

Major Robert H. Barnes Passenger

Major V. De F. Henriques Passenger

Captain Russell G. Helmer Passenger

Captain Fred J. Lewis Passenger

Captain Paul V. Mc Knight Passenger

Captain Wendell J. Root Passenger

1^st Lt. Winton D. Witmer Passenger

2^nd Lt. John C. Campbell Passenger

2^nd Lt. Roland J. Hickey Passenger

WOJG. Dawnson J. Hutchinson Passenger

SSgt. August J. Bachor Passenger

Sgt. William R. Ray Passenger

Corporal Noel L. Lowe Passenger

Pfc. Clyde H. Hopkins Passenger

August died because the plane never arrived on Tadji Airfield, they think the disappearance was unknown, but reported to be either enemy anti-aircraft fire or navigational circumstance on 8 Aug. 1944, he is honored with a Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, Army Presidential Unit Citation, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, WW II Victory Medal.

August is buried/mentioned at Manila American Cemetery and Memorial Manila, Metro Manila, National Capital Region, Philippines.

Walls of the missing.

Thanks to, https://pacificwrecks.com/aircraft/b-17/41-2464.html

Jean Louis Vijgen, WW2-Pacific Website.

Air Force Info, Rolland Swank.

ABMC Website, https://abmc.gov

Marines Info, https://missingmarines.com/ Geoffrey Roecker

Seabees History Bob Smith https://seabeehf.org/

Navy Info, http://navylog.navymemorial.org

POW Info, http://www.mansell.com Dwight Rider and Wes injerd.

Philippine Info, http://www.philippine-scouts.org/ Robert Capistrano

National Historian

Navy Seal Memorial, http://www.navysealmemorials.com

Family Info, https://www.familysearch.org

Info, https://www.pacificwrecks.com/

Medals Info, https://www.honorstates.org

Website,

Find a Grave, https://www.findagrave.com

Bachleda, Edward Joseph

Rank and Name, Radarman Third Class Edward Joseph Bachleda.

Unit/Placed in, USS Cooper (DD-695) Destroyer, United States Naval Reserve.

Edward is born approx. on 16 Sep. 1923.

Father, Frank Bachleda.

Edward enlisted the service in Wisconsin with service number # 8692204.

Edward was KIA when the USS Cooper was sunk by the Japanese Destroyer Take at The Battle for Ormoc Bay on Dec. 3, 1944, he is honored with a Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Expeditionary Medal, American Campaign Medal, Navy & Marine Presidential Unit Citation, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, WW II Victory Medal.

Edward is buried/mentioned at Manila American Cemetery and Memorial Manila, Metro Manila, National Capital Region, Philippines.

Walls of the missing.

Edward also has a Memorial Grave at Saint Josephs Cemetery, Rice Lake, Barron County, Wisconsin, USA.

Thanks to, http://www.navsource.org/archives/05/695.htm

Jean Louis Vijgen, WW2-Pacific Website.

Air Force Info, Rolland Swank.

ABMC Website, https://abmc.gov

Marines Info, https://missingmarines.com/ Geoffrey Roecker

Seabees History Bob Smith https://seabeehf.org/

Navy Info, http://navylog.navymemorial.org

POW Info, http://www.mansell.com Dwight Rider and Wes injerd.

Philippine Info, http://www.philippine-scouts.org/ Robert Capistrano

National Historian

Navy Seal Memorial, http://www.navysealmemorials.com

Family Info, https://www.familysearch.org

Info, https://www.pacificwrecks.com/

Medals Info, https://www.honorstates.org

Website,

Find a Grave, https://www.findagrave.com

Bachand, Alexis C.

Rank and Name, Second Lieutenant Alexis C. Bachand.

Unit/Placed in, 31st Bomber Squadron, 5th Bomber Group, Heavy.

Alexis is born approx. on 1920 in New York.

Father, Alexis C. Bachand.

Mother, Ruth M. Bachand.

Spouse, Ruth E. (Eachand) Bachand.

Alexis enlisted the service in New York with service number # 0-696308.

John ‘s Crew-members and their position on-board the plane a B-24 were,

2nd Lt. Arthur J. Belair Pilot

2nd Lt. Alexis J. Bachand Co Pilot

2nd Lt. James C. Price Navigator

2nd Lt. Clayton A. White Bombardier

T/Sgt. Lee H. Evans Engineer

S/Sgt. Harold J. Olson Asst. Engineer

T/Sgt. Warren R. Curry Radio Operator

S/Sgt. Howard G. Parson Asst. Radio Operator

S/Sgt. Edward J. Gin Gunner

S/Sgt. John E. Ashworth Gunner

Alexis was KIA when they were shot by a Mitsubishi A6M Zero in the #2 Engine after the Mission and crashed near Truk Lagoon on 21 May 1944, he is honored with an Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart, Army Aviation Badge, Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, Army Presidential Unit Citation, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, WW II Victory Medal.

Alexis is buried/mentioned at Manila American Cemetery and Memorial Manila, Metro Manila, National Capital Region, Philippines.

Walls of the missing.

Thanks to, https://pacificwrecks.com/units/usaaf/5bg/index.html

Jean Louis Vijgen, WW2-Pacific Website.

Air Force Info, Rolland Swank.

ABMC Website, https://abmc.gov

Marines Info, https://missingmarines.com/ Geoffrey Roecker

Seabees History Bob Smith https://seabeehf.org/

Navy Info, http://navylog.navymemorial.org

POW Info, http://www.mansell.com Dwight Rider and Wes injerd.

Philippine Info, http://www.philippine-scouts.org/ Robert Capistrano

National Historian