Wilbur J Kline
MilitaryAssigned to 94TCS, 439TCG, 9AF USAAF. Involved in every WWII airborne invasion. Failed to Return (FTR) from glider towing mission [Op Varsity, Rhine crossing], hit by flak on approach to DZ managed to release gliders, before losing altitude and crashing 2 miles SW of Wesel, Germany 24-Mar-45. Baled from doomed A/C. Prisoner of War (POW) narrowly escaped being executed by a firing squad. Return to Duty (RTD) 2-Apr-45. MACR 13368.
Awards: POW, WWII Victory, EAME.
Connections
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Units served with
- Unit Hierarchy: Group
- Air Force: Ninth Air Force
- Type Category: Troop Carrier
- Unit Hierarchy: Squadron
- Air Force: Ninth Air Force
People
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 439th Troop Carrier Group 94th Troop Carrier Squadron
- Service Numbers: 13026958 / O-681651
- Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
- Role/Job: Pilot
Aircraft
- Aircraft Type: C-47 Skytrain
- Unit: 439th Troop Carrier Group 94th Troop Carrier Squadron
Places
- Site type: Airfield
- Known as: Smeatharpe
Events
| Event | Location | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Enlisted |
Allentown, PA, USA | 25 March 1943 | |
|
Other Shot down / baled out |
2 miles SW Wesel, Germany | 24 March 1945 | Failed to Return (FTR) from glider towing mission [Op Varsity, Rhine crossing], hit by flak on approach to DZ managed to release gliders, before losing altitude and crashing 2 miles SW of Wesel, Germany 24-Mar-45. Baled from doomed A/C. Return to Duty (RTD). MACR 13368. |
|
Other Prisoner of War (POW) |
Germany | 24 March 1945 | Prisoner of War (POW). |
|
Other Return to Duty (RTD) |
Upottery, Honiton EX14, UK | 2 April 1945 | Return to Duty (RTD) 2-Apr-45. |
|
Died |
Walnutport, PA 18088, USA | 28 May 2014 | Walnutport Northampton County Pennsylvania, USA |
| Treichlers, PA 18086, USA | |||
|
Based |
Upottery | 24 March 1945 | Assigned to 94TCS, 439TCG, 9AF USAAF. |
|
Born |
Northampton County, PA, USA | Son of Harvey J and Josephine K. [Weiser] Kline. | |
|
Buried |
North St, Hazleton, PA 18202, USA | Mountain View Cemetery Northampton County Pennsylvania, USA |