Joseph C Saleski
MilitaryHe 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
- 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: 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
- Site type: Airfield
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
MACR 10169
Find a Grave
POW record
American Air Musem Oral history interview with Captain Vernon Gayle Alexander (Saleski's pilot)
Drawn from the records of the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, Savannah, Georgia / http://493bgdebach.co.uk/roster_list.php