WW II Memorial
PFC Merl E. Stutesman ID: 37527175
Branch of Service: U.S. Army
Hometown: Vernon County, MO
Status: DNB

PFC Merl Stutesman was on a Cargo Flight as a passenger on 19 Oct. 1944 when shortly after takeoff the engine developed trouble and the C-47 crashed into the forested hillside near Princes

Research from Cecil Edmonds Niece Suzie Barkley; (FROM THE COPY OF THE ACTUAL FLIGHT INCIDENCE REPORT) the list of crew members on Cecil's flight include Pilot Edwin M. Walker, O-497880 1st Lt.; CP Sam P. Rubinowitz T-3599, F/O; William P. Lulf, R/O 13029012 T. Sgt.RO; E Cecil A Edmonds E 34608953 Sgt.; E Merl C Stuteman E 37527175 PFC. The crash took place near Princes Risborough, UK on 21 Oct. 1944 at 0930GMT. plane was a C-47 321st transport Sq. Left Grove to Standstead and A 60. Cargo to continent. Nature of accident: Hit forest on top of hilltop (852' high). Cause of accident: While apparently trying to fly contact in instrument conditions, aircraft hit trees on hilltop and crashed. Crash was approximately 15 min. after takeoff, the aircraft struck a forest on a hilltop. Twenty nine miles from departure point.

Merl E Stutesman