Joseph L Russo
Military ROLL OF HONOURMid air collision 31 December 1944 in B-17 42-31987, 'The Little Skipper', Killed in Action (KIA). Body never found (Piggyback Mission) It was called the 'Piggyback' mission because a B-17 had jammed up into this B -17 trying to fill an open place in the box pattern. Captain Rojohn was pilot of 'The Little Skipper'.
Sergeant Russo was heard over the intercom in the plane reciting his 'Hail Marys' in preparation for his death as he could not get out of the jammed ball turret. Several fellow crew members attempted to release Russo but were unable to save him.
Awards: AM (2OLC), 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: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
People
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 466th Bomb Group 785th Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: O-750837
- Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
- Role/Job: Pilot
Aircraft
- Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
- Nicknames: Shilaylee, The Little Skipper
- Unit: 100th Bomb Group 350th Bomb Squadron
Missions
- Date: 31 December 1944
Places
- Site type: Airfield
Events
Event | Location | Date | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Born |
2 March 1921 | Son of Frank and Frances [Sapienza] Russo. | |
Enlisted |
8 October 1942 | Chicago, Illinois | |
Died |
31 December 1944 | Failed to Return (FTR) mission to Wilhelmshaven Mid air collision near Rustringen in B-17 43-38457 trapped in ball turret Killed in Action (KIA) 31-Dec-44. MACR 11359. | |
Buried |
27 January 1949 | St Adalberts cemetery Niles Cook County Illinois | |
Based |
31 December 1944 | Assigned to 350BS, 100BG, 8AF USAAF. | |
Born |
Revisions
https://www.fold3.com/image/319859748
# removed from A/C serial No. to aid clarity and consistency.
Added a "-" to the A/C serial # in the "Summary biography" to aid clarity & consistency.
100th Bomb Group Foundation Directory, 2000 - 2001, MACR 11550 / Drawn from the records of the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, Savannah, Georgia / MACR 11550 / Paul Andrews, Project Bits and Pieces, 8th Air Force Roll of Honor database