S/SGT, US ARMY, WORLD WAR II
WWII KIA - Staff Sergeant, Nose Gunner, 371st Bomber Squadron, 307th Heavy Bomber Group, US Army Air Forces
On May 29, 1945, a bomber piloted by 1st Lt. John S Boeman crashed during pre-dawn takeoff attempt, resulting in the deaths of 4 crew members. Three crew died instantly, while the 4th, SSgt Eppa H Johnson, died of his injuries 3 days later, on June 1, 1945.
From 371st Bombardment Squadron History:
"On May 29th, tragedy struck at the 371st when six planes were lined up for an early dawn take-off. Three planes were already airborne when Lt. Boeman in A/C #548 crashed at the end of the runway. Within a matter of minutes, his plane burned and two of the 6 1000# GP bombs exploded and four were blown clear and did not explode. By some unexplainable miracle of fate eight crew members out of eleven escaped this raging inferno with their lives. Three died in the accident and were burned beyond recognition. The following men were killed: F/O Dressler, S/Sgt. Shore and S/Sgt. Smeija. The funeral was held for these men on the afternoon of the same day at a Cemetery on Morotai Island. Other members of the crew are recovering from serious burns, broken limbs and severe shock."
WWII KIA - Staff Sergeant, Nose Gunner, 371st Bomber Squadron, 307th Heavy Bomber Group, US Army Air Forces
On May 29, 1945, a bomber piloted by 1st Lt. John S Boeman crashed during pre-dawn takeoff attempt, resulting in the deaths of 4 crew members. Three crew died instantly, while the 4th, SSgt Eppa H Johnson, died of his injuries 3 days later, on June 1, 1945.
From 371st Bombardment Squadron History:
"On May 29th, tragedy struck at the 371st when six planes were lined up for an early dawn take-off. Three planes were already airborne when Lt. Boeman in A/C #548 crashed at the end of the runway. Within a matter of minutes, his plane burned and two of the 6 1000# GP bombs exploded and four were blown clear and did not explode. By some unexplainable miracle of fate eight crew members out of eleven escaped this raging inferno with their lives. Three died in the accident and were burned beyond recognition. The following men were killed: F/O Dressler, S/Sgt. Shore and S/Sgt. Smeija. The funeral was held for these men on the afternoon of the same day at a Cemetery on Morotai Island. Other members of the crew are recovering from serious burns, broken limbs and severe shock."
S/SGT, US ARMY, WORLD WAR II
WWII KIA - Staff Sergeant, Nose Gunner, 371st Bomber Squadron, 307th Heavy Bomber Group, US Army Air Forces
On May 29, 1945, a bomber piloted by 1st Lt. John S Boeman crashed during pre-dawn takeoff attempt, resulting in the deaths of 4 crew members. Three crew died instantly, while the 4th, SSgt Eppa H Johnson, died of his injuries 3 days later, on June 1, 1945.
From 371st Bombardment Squadron History:
"On May 29th, tragedy struck at the 371st when six planes were lined up for an early dawn take-off. Three planes were already airborne when Lt. Boeman in A/C #548 crashed at the end of the runway. Within a matter of minutes, his plane burned and two of the 6 1000# GP bombs exploded and four were blown clear and did not explode. By some unexplainable miracle of fate eight crew members out of eleven escaped this raging inferno with their lives. Three died in the accident and were burned beyond recognition. The following men were killed: F/O Dressler, S/Sgt. Shore and S/Sgt. Smeija. The funeral was held for these men on the afternoon of the same day at a Cemetery on Morotai Island. Other members of the crew are recovering from serious burns, broken limbs and severe shock."
WWII KIA - Staff Sergeant, Nose Gunner, 371st Bomber Squadron, 307th Heavy Bomber Group, US Army Air Forces
On May 29, 1945, a bomber piloted by 1st Lt. John S Boeman crashed during pre-dawn takeoff attempt, resulting in the deaths of 4 crew members. Three crew died instantly, while the 4th, SSgt Eppa H Johnson, died of his injuries 3 days later, on June 1, 1945.
From 371st Bombardment Squadron History:
"On May 29th, tragedy struck at the 371st when six planes were lined up for an early dawn take-off. Three planes were already airborne when Lt. Boeman in A/C #548 crashed at the end of the runway. Within a matter of minutes, his plane burned and two of the 6 1000# GP bombs exploded and four were blown clear and did not explode. By some unexplainable miracle of fate eight crew members out of eleven escaped this raging inferno with their lives. Three died in the accident and were burned beyond recognition. The following men were killed: F/O Dressler, S/Sgt. Shore and S/Sgt. Smeija. The funeral was held for these men on the afternoon of the same day at a Cemetery on Morotai Island. Other members of the crew are recovering from serious burns, broken limbs and severe shock."
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