Franklin E Swanson
Military ROLL OF HONOURFranklin Swanson was an Armorer Gunner in the 386th Bomb Group. An experienced gunner who had flown on dozens of missions with the Robert Fry crew, Swanson was on his first mission with the crew of Lt Payne, replacing the regular gunner who had completed his tour. He was thus on B-26 # 42-96184 on 6 August 1944 when it was hit by Flak and crashed into the sea off Trouville-sur-Mer, France. Injured by Flak, he was helped out of the plane but his parachute failed to open. His body was found by the Germans and initially buried in a French cemetery. After the war, his remains were re-interred at the Normandy American Cemetery - Missing Air Crew Report - MACR 7875.
Connections
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Units served with
![Lieutenant James T. Wilson and Lieutenant Robert J. Owen of the 386th Bomb Group in the cockpit of their B-26 Marauder. Image stamped on reverse: 'Not to be published.' [stamp], 'Ministry of Information 19 Aug 1943.' [stamp] nand '279545.' [Censor no.] Printed caption on reverse: 'AT THE US MARAUDERS BASE. The B-26 Marauders, American super medium bombers are operating now from bases in Britain. This series of pictures shows various scenes at the airfield where the ground crew and the fliers work together](https://assets.americanairmuseum.com/s3fs-public/styles/teaser_thumb_x2/public/freeman/media-380230.jpg.webp?itok=rq3kY4oi)
- Unit Hierarchy: Group
- Air Force: Ninth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
- Unit Hierarchy: Squadron
- Air Force: Ninth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
People
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 386th Bomb Group 554th Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: 14102783 and O-804892
- Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
- Role/Job: Co-Pilot
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 386th Bomb Group 554th Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: 18040560 and O-433892
- Highest Rank: Captain
- Role/Job: Pilot
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 386th Bomb Group 554th Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: 16058767 and O-743997
- Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
- Role/Job: Bombardier/Navigator
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 386th Bomb Group 554th Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: 35771743
- Highest Rank: Corporal (RAF)
- Role/Job: Armorer Gunner
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: No 3 Combat Crew Replacement Center 386th Bomb Group 554th Bomb Squadron Headquarters & Headquarters Squadron (No 3 Combat Crew Replacement Center)
- Service Numbers: 14150971
- Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
- Role/Job: Radio Operator / Gunner
Aircraft
- Aircraft Type: B-26 Marauder
- Unit: 386th Bomb Group 554th Bomb Squadron
Places
- Site type: Airfield
- Known as: Little Easton
Events
| Event | Location | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Enlisted |
Buffalo, New York State, United States | 28 August 1942 | as a Private in the Air Corps |
|
Other Killed In Action (KIA) |
near Trouville-sur-Mer, France | 6 August 1944 | His parachute failed to open and he was killed on the ground |
|
Born |
New York State, New York, United States | ||
| Erie County, New York State, United States | |||
|
Buried |
Franklin Swanson rests at Plot B, Row 9, Grave 6 |
Revisions
MACR 7875
NARA WWII Enlistment records
Added Role/Job; edited Group and Place.
9th Air Force Roll of Honor (IWM in liaison with Ninth Air Force veterans and group associations, American Battle Monuments Commission, and Buddies of the Ninth Association) / B-26 memorials guide