Laverne Wiersma
MilitaryAssigned 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
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Units served with
- Unit Hierarchy: Group
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
- Unit Hierarchy: Squadron
- Air Force: Ninth 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
- Site type: Airfield
- Known as: Willingale
- Site type: Airfield
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 |