Harry August Kortas

Military

Assigned 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

People

James Francis Hurley

  • 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

42-100644

  • Aircraft Type: C-47 Skytrain
  • Unit: 439th Troop Carrier Group 91st Troop Carrier Squadron

Places

Aerial photograph of Upottery airfield looking west, the main runway runs vertically, barrack sites are to the bottom right of the airfield, 15 March 1944. Photograph taken by No. 541 Squadron, sortie number RAF/CT/91/541. English Heritage (RAF Photography).

Upottery

  • 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

Date
ContributorAl_Skiff
Changes
Sources

https://www.fold3.com/image/30638978
https://www.fold3.com/image/320959663/?terms=Harry%20A%20Kortas

Date
ContributorAl_Skiff
Changes
Sources

https://www.fold3.com/image/30638978
https://www.fold3.com/image/320959663/?terms=Harry%20A%20Kortas