Edward William Durst Jr

Military
media-7077.jpeg UPL 7077 Lt. Edward W. Durst
7th PRG - 22nd PRS
KIA 24 July 1944

Chris Brassfield

Object Number - UPL 7077 - Lt. Edward W. Durst 7th PRG - 22nd PRS KIA 24 July 1944

While on his first mission over enemy occupied territory, Durst, while in formation with three other a/c on a mapping mission over France, in the St. Malo area, when into a steep dive and was never seen to come out of it. Anoxia was the cause

Connections

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Units served with

Aircraft

A shark mouth F-5 Lightning nicknamed "The Florida Gator" of the 22nd Photographic Squadron, 7th Photographic Reconnaissance Group at Mount Farm. Image by Robert Astrella, 7th Photographic Reconnaissance Group. Handwritten on slide case:"The Florida Gator Mount Farm R. Astrella"
  • Aircraft Type: F-5 Lightning
  • Nicknames: The Florida Gator
  • Unit: 7th Photographic Reconnaissance Group 22nd Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron

Missions

Places

Events

Event Location Date Description

Born

Mineral Wells, TX 13 August 1922

Died

La Mettrie, 22770 Lancieux, France 24 July 1944 Appears his a/c oxygen system failed and he succumbed to anoxia The plane fell at a place called "La Mettrie" on the road that goes from Ploubalay in Lancieux, the parcel is the clos of the bridge. Two large oaks still in place it served as the framework for this tragic episode. The aircraft took fire immediately releasing a huge blaze. No one was able to approach the site because the Germans prevented from travelling on the spot. All completed fire women are allowed to approach, one of them, a neighbour, will bring a sheet to bury the remains of the pilot. The Germans entrust the body to the Town Hall after request of the Mayor Mr. Roussel. July 26-place the funeral ceremony. Witnesses recall these moments of emotion, a huge crowd flock to the Church, an abundance of flowers covered the forecourt of each side. The occupier maintains a presence during the ceremony. The body will be buried after the tribute paid by the Mayor. A woman remembers a phrase and the quote: "Come is down under a sky full of glory an Allied aircraft". - Translated from a French website set up to honor Lt. Durst.

Buried

Mineral Wells, TX Elmwood Cemetery Mineral Wells, Palo Pinto County, Texas, USA

Revisions

Date
Contributor466thHistorian
Changes
Sources

Chris Brassfield

Date
Contributor466thHistorian
Changes
Sources

Chris Brassfield

Date
ContributorAAM
Changes
Sources

7th Photo Recon Group Master Directory, 6 June 1996 / Drawn from the records of the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, Savannah, Georgia

Edward William Durst: Gallery (1 items)