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name
MUSSER, Ernest James Jr - Date of
birth
28 April 1924 -
Age
20 -
Place of birth
State College, Centre County, Pennsylvania -
Hometown
Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania
Personal info
Military service
- Service
number
33756834 -
Rank
Staff Sergeant -
Function
Waist Gunner -
Unit
860th Bombardment Squadron,
493rd Bombardment Group, Heavy
-
Awards
Purple Heart,
Air Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters
Death
-
Status
Killed in Action - Date of
death
12 September 1944 - Place of
death
Near Magdeburg, Germany
Grave
-
Cemetery
American War Cemetery Ardennes
| Plot | Row | Grave |
|---|---|---|
| A | 39 | 11 |
Immediate family
-
Members
Ernest J. Musser (father)
Esther M. Musser (mother)
Plane data
- Serial
number
43-38308 -
Data
Type: B-17G
Destination: Magdeburg, Germany
Mission: Strategical
MACR: 8868
More information
S/Sgt Ernest J. Musser graduated from Huntington High School.He joined the Army on 25 March 1943 in Altoona, Pennsylvania.
A/C 308 hit by flak between No. 1 and 2 engines, 2 miles S.W. of Magdeburg, Germany. Engine No. 1 was then feathered by the pilot. Dropped bombs. A/C 308 left the formation flying S.W. under control but losing altitude. Four men bailed out just before the aircraft went into a tight spin. A/C 198, piloted by Lt Hauge, flying No. 11 low, low lead group, saw A/C 308 hit the ground. Although no other chutes were reported, the aircraft was apparently not on fire or breaking up as it fell.
Source of information: Peter Schouteten, Terry Hirsch, www.wwiimemorial.com, www.fold3.com, www.archives.gov, WWII Draft Card, Enlistment Record
Photo source: Peter Schouteten