Merle G Aunspaugh
Military ROLL OF HONOUR
Object Number - UPL 22896 - 2nd Lt Merle G Aunspaugh 368FS, 359FG, 8AF.
Assigned to 368FS, 359FG, 8AF USAAF. Killed in flying accident carrying out mock strafing attack during gunnery practice in P-51C 42-103793, flew into tree, ripping off a wing and crashed. Killed in Flying Accident (KIFA). Polebrook. 2-Mar-45.
Awards: PH.
Connections
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Units served with
![Three P-51 Mustangs of the 369th Fighter Squadron, 359th Fighter Group fly together in formation. The aircraft foreground to background are: (IV-P, serial number 44-14543) nicknamed "Precious Pat", piloted by Lieutenant Ralston; (IV-Z, serial number 44-15007) piloted by Lieutenant Klem; and (IV-D, serial number 44-15394). First handwritten caption on reverse: 'November 15 1944- 369th FS Lts. Ralston (P), Klem (Z), [illegible] (D).' Second handwritten caption on reverse: '15/11/44 369th Fighter Squadron, 3](https://assets.americanairmuseum.com/s3fs-public/styles/teaser_thumb_x2/public/freeman/media-377226.jpg.webp?itok=RQw6Mu-P)
- Unit Hierarchy: Group
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Fighter
- Unit Hierarchy: Squadron
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Fighter
Aircraft
- Aircraft Type: P-51 Mustang
- Nicknames: Dimples II Santone Sweetheart
- Unit: 359th Fighter Group 368th Fighter Squadron 369th Fighter Squadron
Places
- Site type: Airfield
Events
| Event | Location | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Born |
Gothenburg, Nebraska | 20 April 1924 | Son of George H and Lily C [Cross] Aunspaugh. |
|
Enlisted |
Omaha, NE, USA | 31 October 1942 | Omaha, Nebraska |
|
Died |
Polebrook, Peterborough PE8, UK | 2 March 1945 | Killed in flying accident carrying out mock strafing attack during gunnery practice in P-51C 42-103793, flew into tree, ripping of a wing and crashed. Killed in Flying Accident (KIFA). Polebrook. 2-Mar-45. |
|
Buried |
3 March 1945 | Interred Cambridge American Cemetery Coton, Cambs, UK | |
|
Other Assigned |
Wretham, Thetford IP24, UK | 2 March 1945 | Assigned to 368FS, 359FG, 8AF USAAF. |
| Dawson County, NE, USA | |||
|
Buried |
Gothenburg Cemetery, Gothenburg, NE | Re-Interred Gothenburg Cemetery Gothenburg Dawson County Nebraska, USA. |
Revisions
Added the words "Possible DUPLICATE" in the nickname field so an admin can check out this person.
Corrected a typo in the "Summary biography".
Drawn from the records of the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, Savannah, Georgia / Ted Damick, VIII Fighter Command pilots list / Unit History
