Meyer C Wagner | American Air Museum

Meyer C Wagner Jr

Military

media-23605.jpeg UPL 23605 Robert L. Hopkin's Crew. Back row: (L-R) S/Sgt. James F. Hochadel-Ball Turret Gunner, S/Sgt. Raymond A. Vicha-Waist Gunner, S/Sgt. William J. Germiller-Engineer/Gunner, S/Sgt. Roy E. Nutter-Waist gunner, T/Sgt. Raymond Gibeau-Radio Operator/Gunner. Front row: (L-R) Capt. Meyer C. Wagner-Squadron Operations, 2nd Lt. Ed Jordan -was Hopkins' usual Co-pilot but on this mission (to Ruhlang, Germany) he flew in Tail Gunner location to relay observations to Maj. Simeral, 1st Lt. Robert L. Hopkins-Pilot, Maj. Robert K. Simeral-398th Group Operations (flew in Co-pilot seat), Capt. Carlton C. Moore-Squadron Bombardier, 1st Lt. Vonnerlin Wernecke-Navigator. Photo was taken on 28th May, 1944.

398th Bomb Group Collection via Nuthampstead Airfield Museum.

Object Number - UPL 23605 - Robert L. Hopkin's Crew. Back row: (L-R) S/Sgt. James F. Hochadel-Ball Turret Gunner, S/Sgt. Raymond A. Vicha-Waist Gunner, S/Sgt. William J....

Hit by flak 8 Aug 1944 over target, Bretteville, LeRabet, France. Returned to England 4 Sept 1944 from Missing in Action (MIA) status.

Connections

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Units served with

398th Bomb Group

Unit Hierarchy: Group
Air Force: Eighth Air Force
Type Category: Bombardment

603rd Bomb Squadron

Unit Hierarchy: Squadron
Air Force: Eighth Air Force
Type Category: Bombardment

Places

Nuthampstead

Site type: Airfield

Events

Event	Location	Date	Description
Other Awards of the Silver Star Citation: General Orders No. 520		16 November 1944 - 16 November 1944	For gallantry in action while serving as Wing Commander on a heavy bombardment mission, 8 August 1944. Prior to reaching the target, Captain Wagner was painfully wounded as his aircraft heavily damaged as the result of encountering intense and accurate flak. Two engines were knocked out, most of the instruments and controls damaged, and a fire, fed by leaking gasoline and oxygen, broke out in the cockpit. Signaling for the deputy leader to take over, he skillfully maneuvered the battered aircraft out of formation. Still in a heavy flak area and unable to take proper evasive action due to the condition of his plane, Captain Wagner ordered the crew to bail out. With utter disregard for his own safety, he remained at the controls until all were clear. Not until then did he leave the aircraft. The gallantry, resourcefulness and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Wagner on this occasion, are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Army Air Forces. Entered military service from Texas.

Event

Location

Date

Description

Other

Awards of the Silver Star Citation: General Orders No. 520

16 November 1944 - 16 November 1944

For gallantry in action while serving as Wing Commander on a heavy bombardment mission, 8 August 1944. Prior to reaching the target, Captain Wagner was painfully wounded as his aircraft heavily damaged as the result of encountering intense and accurate flak. Two engines were knocked out, most of the instruments and controls damaged, and a fire, fed by leaking gasoline and oxygen, broke out in the cockpit. Signaling for the deputy leader to take over, he skillfully maneuvered the battered aircraft out of formation. Still in a heavy flak area and unable to take proper evasive action due to the condition of his plane, Captain Wagner ordered the crew to bail out. With utter disregard for his own safety, he remained at the controls until all were clear. Not until then did he leave the aircraft. The gallantry, resourcefulness and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Wagner on this occasion, are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Army Air Forces. Entered military service from Texas.