Theodore R Hokenstad Jr

Military

Theodore Hokenstad was assigned to the 97th Bomb Group/414th Bomb Squadron. He was Navigator on board 41-24413 "Birmingham Blitzkrieg" when it was lost to Flak and exploded in mid-air on a mission to Biskra, Tunisia, 26 December 1942. He and all nine other men on board were killed. To this day, all ten are still listed as Missing In Action (MIA).

Connections

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Units served with

Ground personnel of the 97th Bomb Group reservice a B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 41-9023) nicknamed "Yankee Doodle", following the raid on Rouen. Image stamped on reverse: 'Associated Press.' [stamp], 'Passed for Publication 18 Aug 1942.' [stamp], 'Air=SER (Boeing).' [written annotation] and '216112.' [Censor no.] Printed caption on reverse: 'U.S FLYING FORTRESSES RAID ROUEN IN DAYLIGHT. Associated Press Photo Shows: No sooner had one of the huge Fortresses landed after the raid than ground crew im
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

People

Film star turned Intellegence Officer Gene Raymond of the 97th Bomb Group questions his comrades following a raid on Rouen. Image stamped on reverse: 'Associated Press.', '216129' [ Censor no] and 'Passed for publication 18 Aug 1942' [stamp]. Printed caption on reverse: 'U.S. FLYING FORTRESSES RAID ROUEN IN DAYLIGHT Associated Press photo shows: Gene Raymond ex-Hollywood film star now intelligence office in the U.S. Army Air Corps questions Sgt. Kent West of West Blocton, ALA. Rear Gunner who shot down a
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 97th Bomb Group 414th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 14055301 at enlistment, then O-436494
  • Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Pilot
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 97th Bomb Group 414th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 11041054
  • Role/Job: Photographer/Gunner
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 97th Bomb Group 414th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 6149246
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Engineer
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 97th Bomb Group 414th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 17019902
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Waist Gunner
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 97th Bomb Group 414th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 13032505 at enlistment, then O-412797
  • Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Co-Pilot

Aircraft

  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Birmingham Blitzkrieg
  • Unit: 97th Bomb Group 414th Bomb Squadron

Places

Events

Event Location Date Description

Died

Tunisia, North Africa 26 December 1942 in the loss of B-17 41-24413

Born

North Dakota, United States the son of Theodore R. Hokenstad and Clara R. Hokenstad
Bremerton, Kitsap County, Washington, United States

Other

Memorialized

on the Tablets of the Missing

Revisions

Date
ContributorED-BB
Changes
Sources

MACR 16150
Research on crew of 41-24413
US Censuses 1930 and 1940
WWII USAAF Casualties for Kitsap County, Washington
ABMC website