Bruce Eldon Alshouse
Military
Added photo from Alshouse family
Object Number - UPL 38102 - Bruce Alshouse recuperating at the Bournemouth “Flak House” (photo Alshouse family)
Completed 25 missions from 23 September 1943 - 6 March 1944. Shot down 24 September 1943 in B-17 #42-30259 'Damifino II' on a practice flight to test PFF equipment and technique. Intercepted and attacked by enemy fighters, the Fortress was riddled and number 3 engine set on fire. Five men died and Bruce Alshouse was among the five others who were picked up by Royal Navy motor torpedo boats and returned to base. MACR 778. After re-enlisting in November 1945, Alshouse served also in Korea. Awarded the DFC/ Air Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters.
Connections
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Units served with
![Three airmen of the 100th Bomb Group, Lieutenant Kenneth Menzie, Lieutenant Donald Strout and Lieutenant Norman Scott, plan the route they will take during the next mission in their B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 42-30380). Image stamped on reverse: 'Reviewed and passed U.S. Army 23 Aug 1943 Press Censor E.T.O. U.S.A.' [stamp]'. Passed for publication 23 August 1943 INTLD 16 General Section Press Censorship Bureau '[stamp], 'Associated Press' [stamp] and '280035.' [Censor no.] Printed caption on reve](https://assets.americanairmuseum.com/s3fs-public/styles/teaser_thumb_x2/public/freeman/media-378743.jpg.webp?itok=HBB0lqjl)
- 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: 349th Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: 12046800 at enlistment, then O-673491
- Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
- Role/Job: Navigator
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 349th Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: 36264332
- Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
- Role/Job: Ball Turret Gunner
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 349th Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: 31002387 at enlistment, then O-676883
- Highest Rank: Captain
- Role/Job: Bombardier
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 349th Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: 10601362
- Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
- Role/Job: Navigator
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 349th Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: 32391944
- Highest Rank: Technical Sergeant
- Role/Job: Radio Operator
Aircraft
Missions
- Date: 24 September 1943
Places
- Site type: Airfield
Events
| Event | Location | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Born |
8 December 1923 | Forest Lake, Washington County, Minnesota, the son of Frank E. and Ruth (Mayhall) Alshouse | |
|
Enlisted |
14 May 1942 | Fort Snelling, Minnesota | |
|
Other Rescued in the North Sea |
24 September 1943 | by a Royal Navy torpedo boat after ditching of B-17 42-30259 and returned to duty | |
|
Other Honorably discharged |
13 November 1945 | ||
|
Other Re-enlisted |
14 November 1945 | Saint Paul, Minnesota | |
|
Died |
29 September 2015 | Port Townsend, Jefferson County, Washington | |
| Saint Paul, Ramsey County, Minnesota | |||
|
Buried |
Bruce Alshouse rests at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Higginsville, Lafayette County, Missouri |
Revisions
MACR 778
NARA WWII Enlistment records
WWII Draft Cards
US Census 1930
VA Gravesite Locator
Drawn from the records of the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, Savannah, Georgia / MACR 778 / Paul Andrews, Project Bits and Pieces, 8th Air Force Roll of Honor database / self; MACR 778
