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name
ULRICH, Gordon Francis - Date of
birth
11 September 1918 -
Age
26 - Place of
birth
Carroll, Wayne County, Nebraska -
Hometown
Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California
Personal info
Military service
- Service
number
O-1291547 -
Rank
First Lieutenant -
Function
unknown -
Unit
82nd Squadron,
436th Troop Carrier Group
-
Awards
Purple Heart
Death
-
Status
Killed in Action - Date of
death
24 March 1945 - Place of
death
In the vicinity of Wesel, Germany
Grave
-
Cemetery
American War Cemetery Margraten
| Plot | Row | Grave |
|---|---|---|
| O | 13 | 3 |
Immediate family
-
Members
Frank Ulrich (father)
Freda Ulrich (mother)
Louise J. Ulrich (wife)
Plane data
- Serial
number
42-100564 -
Data
Type: C-47A
Nickname: Squirrelie
Destination: Wesel, Germany
Mission: Glider Tow
MACR: 13381
More information
Gordon Francis Ulrich attended college for 2 years.He enlisted on 1 February 1941 in Los Angeles, California.
Lt Ulrich was the assistant squadron intelligence officer and was a passenger on this filght.
The airplane's mission was towing gliders for Operation Varsity. It passed over the landing zone on the first approach but the gliders did not release. It circled over the autobahn for a second try. The gliders were released on this second attempt. The airplane was last seen flying northwest from the landingzone.
According to witness statements, at a certain moment the airplane was completely enveloped in flames but still under control at about 400 feet. One parachute was seen to come from airplane.
Four crew members were killed, one survived and was taken prisoner.
Source of information: Raf Dyckmans, Terry Hirsch, Peter Schouteten, www.wwiimemorial.com, www.archives.gov, www.fold3.com - MACR, www.ancestry.com - 1940 Census / World War II Army Enlistment / Headstone and Interment Record / WWII Draft Cards
Photo source: Peter Schouteten