Lester Jess Epstein
MilitaryAssigned to 91TCS, 439TCG, 9AF USAAF. Failed to Return (FTR) glider tow to Belgium after releasing the glider hit in port engine by flak, left formation with fire streaming from engine and crashed 6 miles W/SW Bastogne. Baled out successfully, captured by enemy troops, led away to a nearby wood, where his hands were tied with wire and he was clubbed to death with rifle butts. 27-Dec-44. Killed in Action (KIA). MACR 10906.
Awards: PH.
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
- Type Category: Troop Carrier
People
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 439th Troop Carrier Group 91st Troop Carrier Squadron
- Service Numbers: 12093089 / O-806846
- Highest Rank: Captain
- Role/Job: Pilot
Aircraft
- Aircraft Type: C-47 Skytrain
- Unit: 439th Troop Carrier Group 91st Troop Carrier Squadron
Places
- Site type: Cemetery
- Known as: Ardennes American Cemetery, Liege, Belgium
- Site type: Airfield
- Known as: Smeatharpe
Events
| Event | Location | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Born |
Suffolk County, Massachusetts, USA | 19 November 1918 | Son of Mathew H and Leah [Jacobs] Epstein. |
|
Enlisted |
Boston, Massachusetts, USA | 18 August 1942 | |
|
Died |
Sibret, 6640 Vaux-sur-Sûre, Belgium | 27 December 1944 | Failed to Return (FTR) glider tow to Belgium after releasing the glider hit in port engine by flak, left formation with fire streaming from engine and crashed 6 miles W/SW Bastogne. Baled out. 27-Dec-44. KIA. MACR 10906. |
|
Buried |
Sibret, 6640 Vaux-sur-Sûre, Belgium | 28 December 1944 | Interred Sibret, Belgium |
| Broward County, Florida, USA | |||
|
Based |
Upottery | 27 December 1944 | Assigned to 91TCS, 439TCG, 9AF USAAF. |
|
Buried |
Re-Interred Ardennes American Cemetery and Memorial | ||
|
Buried |
West Roxbury, MA 02132, USA | Re-Interred Adath Jeshurun Cemetery West Roxbury Suffolk County Massachusetts, USA |