Memorial

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S/Sgt Enrico J. Spatarella enlisted in New York City, New York on 2 March 1943.

It is strongly believed that the aircraft has been hit by a bomb (500 lb. G.P. - 1/10 tail - 1/40 nose fuzing) or bombs dropped from A/C in high element of 493rd "A" lead group. A/C 115 (#43-38115) exploded almost immediately and dove straight down in a mass of flames breaking up completely. The majority of the crews reported seeing one chute (navigator, 2nd Lt Artemon P. Johnston). The navigator, when asked later, had no recollection what so ever about what has happened. The blast and debris from A/C 115 even caused the probable destruction of A/C 480 (#43-38480, MACR 9430), flying the No. 3 position in the high element.
Eventually 7 crewmembers of #43-38115 were KIA, 1 MIA and 1 became POW/RTD.
The bodies of the crewmembers who were killed in action were first buried on 6 October 1944 at the Bielefeld-Senne cemetery.
The body of S/Sgt Enrico J. Spatarella could not be recovered.

A memorial marker has been placed for S/Sgt Enrico J. Spatarella at the Lutheran All Faiths Cemetery, Middle Village, Queens County, New York.

His brother Salvatore J. Spatarella has also been active during WWII and served as a Gunners Mate First Class on the USS New York, which saw action in The Atlantic, North Africa and Mediteranean seas. Later he was transferred to the USS Delta which saw action in The Pacific. He was present at the signing of the Japanese surrender in Tokyo Harbor.