Joseph C Saleski

Military

He was shot down by flak on 2 November 1944, whilst flying as bombardier aboard B-17 #44-8246 during a mission over Merseberg Oil Refinery.



He bailed out and landed near Leipzig. Fellow crewmember Lt Schulman believed that he was attacked by German civilians who stabbed him with pitchforks, puncturing his lung. He was admitted to hospital and died of his wounds two days later.



He was buried temporarily at Leipzig East Cemetery on 9 November 1944, his remains were re-interred and reburied at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Meriden, CT

Connections

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Units served with

The insignia of the 493rd Bomb Group.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

People

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 493rd Bomb Group 861st Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-792667
  • Highest Rank: Captain
  • Role/Job: Pilot

Aircraft

  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Unit: 493rd Bomb Group 861st Bomb Squadron

Places

Events

Event Location Date Description

Other

Shot Down

Leipzig, Germany 2 November 1944

Died

Leipzig, Germany 4 November 1944 He died of his wounds after being attacked by German civilians.

Buried

Leipzig, Germany 9 November 1944

Buried

Sacred Heart Cememtery, Meriden, CT, USA

Revisions

Date
Contributorjmoore43
Changes
Sources

Removed punctuation in the "Summary biography" to aid clarity.

Date
ContributorEmily
Changes
Sources

MACR 10169
Find a Grave
POW record
American Air Musem Oral history interview with Captain Vernon Gayle Alexander (Saleski's pilot)

Date
ContributorAAM
Changes
Sources