Laverne Wiersma

Military

Assigned to 559BS, 387BG, 9AF USAAF. Failed to Return (FTR) mission to Mayen. Hit by flak in target area, engine ablaze, baled out successfully. His chute caught on the protruding loft-loading beam at a barn’s peak. As the American flyer dangled from the beam, he was murdered by local farmers with pitchforks. Killed in Action (KIA). MACR 12607.



Awards: PH.

Connections

See how this entry relates to other items in the archive by exploring the connections below.

Units served with

  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

People

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 387th Bomb Group 559th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 16056431 / O-753396
  • Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Pilot

Aircraft

  • Aircraft Type: B-26 Marauder
  • Unit: 387th Bomb Group 559th Bomb Squadron

Places

Events

Event Location Date Description

Born

12 August 1919 Son of Nicholas Wiersma.

Died

24 February 1945 Failed to Return (FTR) mission to Mayen. Hit by flak in target area, engine ablaze, baled out successfully. Killed in Action (KIA). MACR 12607.

Based

24 February 1945 Assigned to 559BS, 387BG, 9AF USAAF.

Buried

Repatriated Pilgrim Home Cemetery Holland Ottawa County Michigan, USA