Joe Ralph Sanchez
MilitaryAssigned to 575BS, 391BG, 9AF USAAF. Rear gunner of “Silver Dollar,” B-26 42-107671, shot down about 30 miles south of their target, the railroad viaduct at Ahrweiler, Germany. 23-Dec-44. A/C last seen with starboard engine feathered and port engine ablaze. Killed in Action (KIA). MACR 11661.
Officially listed as MIA and subsequently FOD 1yr 1day later, his remains were identified 2-Sep-2010.
Awards: AM (3OLC), PH.
Connections
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Units served with
- Unit Hierarchy: Group
- Air Force: Ninth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
- Unit Hierarchy: Squadron
- Air Force: Ninth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
People
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 391st Bomb Group 575th Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: 14058257 / O-685331
- Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
- Role/Job: Bomber pilot
Aircraft
- Aircraft Type: B-26 Marauder
- Unit: 391st Bomb Group 575th Bomb Squadron
Places
- Site type: Airfield
- Known as: Matching Green
Events
| Event | Location | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Born |
California, USA | 29 February 1924 | |
|
Enlisted |
Los Angeles, CA, USA | 25 March 1943 | Los Angeles, California |
|
Died |
Kirchweiler, Germany | 23 December 1944 | Shot down about 30 miles south of their target, the railroad viaduct at Ahrweiler, Germany. 23-Dec-44. A/C last seen with starboard engine feathered and port engine ablaze. Killed in Action (KIA). MACR 11661. |
|
Based |
Matching | 23 December 1944 | Assigned to 575BS, 391BG, 9AF USAAF. |
|
Buried |
Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial | Tablets of the Missing Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial Hamm Canton de Luxembourg Luxembourg, Luxembourg | |
|
Buried |
Rose Hills Memorial Park Whittier CA | Rose Hills Memorial Park Whittier California | |
| Los Angeles County, CA, USA |