Missing information?

Do you have any additional information you would like to share about a soldier?

Submit

Personal info

Full name
CROSSWELL, Allen Joseph
Date of birth
10 October 1916
Age
26
Place of birth
Malden, Middlesex County, Massachusetts
Hometown
Hartford County, Connecticut

Military service

Service number
31103360
Rank
Staff Sergeant
Function
Engineer
Unit
555th Bombardment Squadron,
386th Bombardment Group, Medium
Awards
Purple Heart

Death

Status
Killed in Action
Date of death
9 August 1943
Place of death
English Channel, off the coast of La Manche, France

Grave

Cemetery
American War Cemetery Margraten
Plot Row Grave
I 1 2

Immediate family

Members
Ralph A. Crosswell (father)
Annie L. Crosswell (mother)
Jean F. Crosswell (sister)

Plane data

Serial number
41-31634
Data
Type: B-26B
Nickname: Hell's Hurricane
Destination: St. Omer, France
Mission: Bombing
MACR: 164

More information

S/Sgt Allen J Crosswell enlisted on 27 March 1942 in Hartford, Connecticut.

Statement from Robert J.Owen Jr., 2nd Lt., Air Corps:
While flying in formation on a bombing mission over St. Omer, France on 9 August 1943, I saw Airplane #41-31634 leave formation directly proceeding the final run. The plane when leaving the formation seemed to be under control. It made a slight turn to the right losing altitude slowly. It continued downward into the clouds with four Spitfires following. The right propellar was just bearly turning over. I am certain this plane was that flown by Dick A. Tucker and crew.

Source of information: Peter Schouteten, www.wwiimemorial.com, www.archives.gov, www.fold3.com, www.ancestry.com - Headstone and Interment Record / 1930 Census

Photo source: Peter Schouteten, A. Smeets-Heuts