Sgt. Earl T. Edelen lost his life in the Ploesti raid "Operation Tidal Wave" one of the most daring raids of WW2. Coming in at tree top level the 98th BG destroy Romanian oil refineries.

Flown by 1st/Lt. Samuel R. Neeley and crew of the 98BG, briefed to fly in the 1st wave attacking White IV Ploesti. Immediately after bomb release was hit by an AA balloon cable attached with an explosive device which upon detonation caused a wing to disintegrate.

The Radio operator and a Gunner survived the crash and became POW. Some of the crew members remains may not have been recovered or identified. Sgt. Edelen is buried plot B Row 12 Grave 9 Ardennes American Cemetery Neupre, Belgium.

Crew of B-24 #41-11819 "RAUNCHY"

Pilot: 1st/Lt. Samuel R. Neeley, NE

Navigator: 1st/Lt. Joel I. Corn, NY

Co Pilot: 2nd/Lt.Herman H. Henslee, LA

Bombardier: 2nd/Lt. Eugene L. Rodgen, KY

Gunner: Sgt. Robert P. Schultz, NY

Gunner: Sgt.Charles P. Geers, IL 16019442

Gunner: Sgt. Earl T. Edelen, NJ

Gunner: Sgt. Alfred D. Cason , GA

Radio Operator: Sgt. William W. Schiffmacher -(POW)

Gunner: Sgt. Nick A. Allen - (POW)

Source: Find A Grave Memorial

Earl T Edelen