| Birth: | Feb. 12, 1918 | | Death: | Aug. 1, 1943 | 
World War II Congressional Medal of Honor recipient. Born in Racine, Wisconsin and served as a Major in the 93rd Bomb Group, 9th Army Air Force, Europe, flying B-24 Liberators. He had completed more than his tour of missions and was no longer directly connected with the 93rd Bomb Group. When he heard of the upcoming low level bombing mission against the oil refineries at Ploesti, Romania, he volunteered to lead a formation. On August 1, 1943, three miles from the target, his bomber was badly damaged by enemy ground fire and set on fire. More than 230 antiaircraft guns, supported by many barrage balloons, smoke pots and German fighter planes were in the area of the refineries. Ignoring the fact he was flying above a field suitable for a forced landing, he kept on course. After the bombs were released on the target, the fire in his ship became so intense that it made further progress impossible. The B-24 crashed into the target area, killing all on board. On this mission Fifty-four aircraft never returned, he was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously on October 28, 1943. (bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith)
Search Amazon for John Jerstad | | | Burial:
Ardennes American Cemetery and Memorial
Neuville-en-Condroz
Liege, Belgium
Plot: Plot C Row 24 Grave 10 |
Maintained by: Find A Grave
Originally Created by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
Record added: Nov 12, 2003
Find A Grave Memorial# 8080299 |
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