354 FG / 355 FS

1LT ERB, RUSSELL W.

From Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Killed on an operational mission on 17-11-1944 as pilot of P-51B / #42-106949 / GQ-'J'. No MACR.

Took off from Orconte A-66 Advanced Landing Ground airfield, France, on a combat mission but shortly after take off the aircraft suffered technical (possibly engine) trouble. The P-51 crashed before the pilot was able to bale out. Crashed near A-64 Advanced Landing Ground St. Dizier-Robinson, France. KOM.

1Lt Erb is buried at Epinal Cemetery, A-11-42. Also see https://www.fieldsofhonor-database.com/.../68529-erb...

Source of the portrait photograph: Pilot Class 43-I, Luke Field, Arizona. Courtesy of Mr. Claiborne Stokes who uploaded this class book to Fold3.

The other photograph is courtesy of find a Grave.

Source: USAAF Class Book Research Project

Russell W Erb, Jr