John D Westran
MilitaryAssigned to 453BS 323BG, 9AF USAAF. Failed to Return (FTR) mission to Caen, France 6-Jun-44. hit by at least three flak hits in bomb bay and wing, moved out of formation allowing crew to bale out, went into spin and exploded on impact. Prisoner of War (POW). MACR 5527.
Awards: POW, WWII Victory, EAME.
Connections
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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.'](https://assets.americanairmuseum.com/s3fs-public/styles/teaser_thumb_x2/public/freeman/media-380000.jpg.webp?itok=SSrEVQvb)
- 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
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 323rd Bomb Group 455th Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: 18054711 / O-409775
- Highest Rank: Major
- Role/Job: Bomber pilot
Aircraft
- Aircraft Type: B-26 Marauder
- Unit: 323rd Bomb Group 453rd Bomb Squadron
Places
- Site type: Airfield
- Site type: Prisoner of war camp
- Known as: Stalag Luft 4, Gross Tychow, Pomerania
Events
| Event | Location | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Born |
Washington, USA | 26 November 1922 | |
|
Enlisted |
Portland, OR, USA | 18 March 1942 | |
|
Other Shot down / baled out |
14270 Mézidon-Canon, France | 6 June 1944 | Failed to Return (FTR) mission to Caen, France 6-Jun-44. hit by at least three flak hits in bomb bay and wing, moved out of formation allowing crew to bale out, went into spin and exploded on impact. POW. MACR 5527. |
|
Other Prisoner of War (POW) |
Tychowo, Poland | 6 June 1944 | Prisoner of War (POW). Stalag Luft IV. |
|
Other Honourable discharge |
United States | 25 October 1945 | Released from USAAF service. |
|
Died |
Multnomah County, OR, USA | 13 June 1981 | |
| Multnomah County, OR, USA | |||
|
Based |
6 June 1944 | Assigned to 453BS 323BG, 9AF USAAF. | |
|
Buried |
11800 SE Mt Scott Blvd, Portland, OR 97086, USA | Willamette National Cemetery Portland Multnomah County Oregon, USA |
Revisions
ContributorAl_Skiff
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