Missing information?

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

Submit

Personal info

Full name
CHAPMAN, Carl Franklin Jr
Date of birth
27 November 1920
Age
24
Place of birth
Macon, Bibb County, Georgia
Hometown
Bibb County, Georgia

Military service

Service number
O-659663
Rank
Captain
Function
Pilot
Unit
497th Bombardment Squadron,
344th Bombardment Group, Medium
Awards
Purple Heart,
Air Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters

Death

Status
Killed in Action
Date of death
23 February 1945
Place of death
Over Target Erkeland, Germany

Grave

Cemetery
American War Cemetery Margraten
Plot Row Grave
L 3 1

Immediate family

Members
Carl F. Chapman (father)
Vincent E. (Sherling) Chapman (mother)
Margaret Chapman (sister)
James Chapman (brother)

Plane data

Serial number
43-34565
Data
Type: B-26G
Nickname: Gratis Gladys
Destination: Erkeland, Germany
MACR: 12649

More information

Capt Carl F. Chapman Jr. attended North Georgia College.

Statement from Theodore R. Peargy, 1st Lt, Air Corps, Pilot, 497th Bomb Sq.:
"After bombs were dropped over target, aircraft was hit by flak. One engine appeard to be afire. Aircraft was making a bank to the right when it went into a spin. Members of my crew watched the descent of the aircraft. It appeared to be under control at an altitude of approximately 8000 feet. A short time later my radio-gunner saw a plane crash and burst into flame. My Co-Pilot saw one man leave the aircraft immediately after it went into the spin, but did not see the chute open. My radio operator also saw one ohter man leave the aircraft and saw the parachute open."

Source of information: Peter Schouteten, www.wwiimemorial.com, www.archives.gov, www.fold3.com, www.ancestry.com - 1930/1940 Census, Margaret Sherling Riggins Master File, www.flickr.com

Photo source: www.findagrave.com - Des Philippet, www.ancestry.com - North Georgia College yearbook 1949