James R Kitchell
Military ROLL OF HONOURRemoved place and aircraft associations not depicted in image
James Kitchell served as a tail gunner with the 323rd Bomb Group. On 3 November 1943, he was Killed in Action. He is buried in Netherlands American Cemetery.
Sgt Kitchell had been in the Army Air Force since February, 1941. After completing his training early in 1942, he was home on an extended furloough to assist with the farm work while his father was ill. He was recalled to service the latter part of May and soon after was assigned to a medium bomber base in England.
He graduated by Morrisonville High School.
In the afternoon of 3 November 1943, this group furnished 18 A/C, which formed part of a 72-ship formation ordered to attack Amsterdam/Schiphol Airdrome. It was known that this target was one of the most strongly defended GAF bases in Eastern Europe and that a successful attack would require the highest qualities of leadership. Captain Geiser´s airplane, 963 WT-Q, was flying number four position in the lead flight. In this position he was in command of the second element of the lead flight and deputy flight lead. Approximately five seconds after the bombing run began, the left wing of Captain Geiser´s ship was hit by a close burst of heavy flak. Immediately a long stream of fire swept back from the wing and began to spread. At this point Captain Geiser immediately feathered his left propeller and by brilliant flying technique kept his ship en course and in formation. With the ship under control, he proceeded to lose altitude very slowly. The fire along the right wing was spreading despite efforts taken to bring it under control. It was clear to observers in the formation that the airplane was doomed. At this time the airplane was still flying straight and level, due to the skillful and resolute action of the pilot and co-pilot. They were succesful in keeping the ship under control for the duration of the bombing run, in spite of the flames which had now spread to the fuselage. Immediately after the bomb release by the lead ship, the bombardier released his bombs. The airplane turned slowly over on its back and went into a dive. Its plunge down was followed by several observers in the formation, but no parachutes were seen to open. A short distance above the ground the airplane was seen to explode.
Of Morrisonville, Illinois, Sgt. Kitchell was survived by his father, Charles De. Ktchell, his mother, Blanche D. Kitchell, and his sister, Irene E. Kitchell.
Connections
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Units served with
- Unit Hierarchy: Group
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
- Unit Hierarchy: Squadron
- Air Force: Ninth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
People
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Unit: 323rd Bomb Group 456th Bomb Squadron
- Highest Rank: Captain
- Role/Job: Pilot
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 323rd Bomb Group 456th Bomb Squadron
- Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
- Role/Job: Co-Pilot
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 323rd Bomb Group 456th Bomb Squadron
- Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
- Role/Job: Navigator
Aircraft
- Aircraft Type: B-26 Marauder
- Nicknames: Jake's Jerks / Bugs Bunny
- Unit: 323rd Bomb Group 456th Bomb Squadron
Places
- Site type: Airfield
Events
Event | Location | Date | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Died |
3 November 1943 | ||
Buried |
Plot H Row 16 Grave 13 | ||
Enlisted |
Illinois, USA | Exact date not yet known | |
Born |
Illinois, USA | ||
Morrisonville, IL 62546, USA |