He was born in Adel on August 8, 1918, the son of John and Elsie Poffenberger Love. He graducated from Dexter High School in 1936 and worked as a clerk at Adkins Food Store in Dexter for five years. In 1941, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. He was trained as a pilot and flew over 25 operational flights which were considered to be exceptional aids to the success of the Southwest Pacific theatre operation from May to July of 1943. He was awarded the Air Medal for his efforts.
On November 2, 1943, Lt. Love lost his plane near Rabaul, East New Britain Island, off the coast of New Guinea. He was listed as missing in action until December of 1945, when he was legally presumed dead. On December 5, 2000, a native of the island discovered a plane crash site in the dense jungle. Through investigation, DNA samples, and other forensic evidence, in early September 2002, the U.S. Army was able to identify the victim at the crash as Francis S. Love. He had been wearing his Dexter High School class ring of 1936, which was recovered.
He is survived by three brothers, Arvid and Ed of Dexter, and Charles of Cherokee.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a stepmother.
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Francis Schuyler Love met Esther Ellen Christella Cummins in Townsville Queensland Australia and is the father of Sandra Frances Carter (Cummins) born 24/4/1944. She resides in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. He also has 2 grand daughters, 4 great grand children and 2 great great grand daughters.
He was born in Adel on August 8, 1918, the son of John and Elsie Poffenberger Love. He graducated from Dexter High School in 1936 and worked as a clerk at Adkins Food Store in Dexter for five years. In 1941, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. He was trained as a pilot and flew over 25 operational flights which were considered to be exceptional aids to the success of the Southwest Pacific theatre operation from May to July of 1943. He was awarded the Air Medal for his efforts.
On November 2, 1943, Lt. Love lost his plane near Rabaul, East New Britain Island, off the coast of New Guinea. He was listed as missing in action until December of 1945, when he was legally presumed dead. On December 5, 2000, a native of the island discovered a plane crash site in the dense jungle. Through investigation, DNA samples, and other forensic evidence, in early September 2002, the U.S. Army was able to identify the victim at the crash as Francis S. Love. He had been wearing his Dexter High School class ring of 1936, which was recovered.
He is survived by three brothers, Arvid and Ed of Dexter, and Charles of Cherokee.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a stepmother.
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Francis Schuyler Love met Esther Ellen Christella Cummins in Townsville Queensland Australia and is the father of Sandra Frances Carter (Cummins) born 24/4/1944. She resides in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. He also has 2 grand daughters, 4 great grand children and 2 great great grand daughters.
Inscription
49th Fighter Gp, 1st Lt U S Army Air Forces, World War II, Purple Heart