James R Kitchell

Military ROLL OF HONOUR
media-41384.jpeg UPL 41384 James R. Kitchell, Tail Gunner, 456th Bomb Squadron

Removed place and aircraft associations not depicted in image

Object Number - UPL 41384 - James R. Kitchell, Tail Gunner, 456th Bomb Squadron

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

See how this entry relates to other items in the archive by exploring the connections below.

Units served with

Private First Class Barbara O'Brien of the Womens Army Corps, paints the nose of a B-26 Marauder (YU-Y. serial number 41-34982) nicknamed "Jolly Roger" of the 323rd Bomb Group. Image stamped on reverse: 'Associated Press.' [stamp], 'Passed for Publcation 4 Dec 1943.' [stamp] and '295589.' [Censor no.] Printed caption on reverse: 'W.A.C.S. on duty at a Bomber Station. Associated Press Photo shows:- Pfc: Barbara O'Brien painting the Jolly Roger on the nose of a Marauder with the crew looking on.'
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

People

A B-26 Marauder (WT-Q, serial number 41-34963) of the 456th Bomb Squadron, 323rd Bomb Group crashes with a burning engine during a raid on Amsterdam-Schipol airdrome, Holland, 13 November 1943. Handwritten caption on reverse: '71. WT-Q, 134963, 13/11/43.' Printed caption on reverse: '27447 AC - Hit by flak, this 8th Air Force Marauder has had one win shot away, and tailing smoke from a burning motor, plunges towards the earth. It was the only Marauder lost in the raid on the Amsterdam-Schipol airdrome, Ho
  • 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
A B-26 Marauder (WT-Q, serial number 41-34963) of the 456th Bomb Squadron, 323rd Bomb Group crashes with a burning engine during a raid on Amsterdam-Schipol airdrome, Holland, 13 November 1943. Handwritten caption on reverse: '71. WT-Q, 134963, 13/11/43.' Printed caption on reverse: '27447 AC - Hit by flak, this 8th Air Force Marauder has had one win shot away, and tailing smoke from a burning motor, plunges towards the earth. It was the only Marauder lost in the raid on the Amsterdam-Schipol airdrome, Ho
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 323rd Bomb Group 456th Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Navigator

Aircraft

A B-26 Marauder (WT-Q, serial number 41-34963) of the 456th Bomb Squadron, 323rd Bomb Group crashes with a burning engine during a raid on Amsterdam-Schipol airdrome, Holland, 13 November 1943. Handwritten caption on reverse: '71. WT-Q, 134963, 13/11/43.' Printed caption on reverse: '27447 AC - Hit by flak, this 8th Air Force Marauder has had one win shot away, and tailing smoke from a burning motor, plunges towards the earth. It was the only Marauder lost in the raid on the Amsterdam-Schipol airdrome, Ho
  • Aircraft Type: B-26 Marauder
  • Nicknames: Jake's Jerks / Bugs Bunny
  • Unit: 323rd Bomb Group 456th Bomb Squadron

Places

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

Revisions

Date
ContributorJMF
Changes
Sources

JMF - FromFields of Honor Database.

Date
ContributorLucy May
Changes
Date
ContributorAAM
Changes
Sources

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

James R Kitchell: Gallery (3 items)