Harry August Kortas
MilitaryAssigned to 91TCS, 439TCG, 9AF USAAF. Failed to Return (FTR) glider tow to Belgium after releasing the glider hit in port engine by flak, left formation with fire streaming from engine and crashed 6 miles W/SW Bastogne. Baled out successfully landing at the same time and closeby to S/Sgt Epstein. Came under fire from enemy and managed to run and jump into ditch, from which he evaded capture and made it 15 miles back to his own lines. Returned to Duty (RTD). MACR 10906
Awards: WWII Victory, EAME.
Connections
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Units served with
- Unit Hierarchy: Group
- Air Force: Ninth Air Force
- Type Category: Troop Carrier
- Unit Hierarchy: Squadron
- Air Force: Ninth Air Force
- Type Category: Troop Carrier
People
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 439th Troop Carrier Group 91st Troop Carrier Squadron
- Service Numbers: 12093089 / O-806846
- Highest Rank: Captain
- Role/Job: Pilot
Aircraft
- Aircraft Type: C-47 Skytrain
- Unit: 439th Troop Carrier Group 91st Troop Carrier Squadron
Places
- Site type: Airfield
- Known as: Smeatharpe
Events
Event | Location | Date | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Born |
Chicago, Illinois, USA | 23 April 1923 | Son of Mrs Wandax S Kortas. |
Enlisted |
Chicago, Illinois, USA | 23 April 1943 | |
Other Shot down / baled out |
Sibret, 6640 Vaux-sur-Sûre, Belgium | 27 December 1944 | Failed to Return (FTR) glider tow to Belgium after releasing the glider hit in port engine by flak, left formation with fire streaming from engine and crashed 6 miles W/SW Bastogne. Baled out successfully landing at the same time and closeby to S/Sgt Epstein. Came under fire from enemy and managed to run and jump into ditch, from which he evaded capture and made it 15 miles back to his own lines. RTD. MACR 10906 |
Other Discharged |
United States | 15 May 1945 | Honourably discharged. |
Died |
Illinois, USA | 7 January 1959 | |
Based |
Upottery | 27 December 1944 | Assigned to 91TCS, 439TCG, 9AF USAAF. |
Buried |
Calumet City, IL, USA | Holy Cross Cemetery Calumet City Illinois |
Revisions
ContributorAl_Skiff
Changes