rmy Air Corp enlisted in Dallas Texas from Dawson Texas, T/Sgt ball turret gunner on B-17G-31642, to the best of my knowledge he flew 33 missions out of north Africa and southern Italy. 347th Squadron/99th Bomb Group/15th Air Force/5th Wing. February 25th on a mission to Messerschmit plane factory, the bomb group of around 176 planes was attacked by around 250 German fighter planes. Their B-17 plane was attacked by 4 German fighters, attacking 2 at a time. The pilot broke formation and did a near 360 degree turn but the fighters hit the plane to the extent it exploded knocking him, his friend Lonnie & engineer Harris unconcious, Joe Jr and Lonnie were injured before the explosion. Sgt Harris came to just in time to save his life but he didnt have time to throw my uncle Joe Jr or Lonnie. Son of Joe D Freeland Sr & Annie "Statham" Freeland, Brother of Dorothy "Harper" Freeland, John F Freeland & Don A Freeland, Uncle of Rickey A Freeland & Jackie L Freeland
In Honor of Joe Dunn Freeland Jr
A
Birth- Jun 21, 1923
Death-
Austria Air Space
Father
Joe Freeland Sr
Mother
Annie Freeland
Conflicting information
I was told he was on his 33rd mission but his Air Medal has just 4 oak leaf clusters, also the intended target that day?
Gender
Male
Sources
freelar
Owner:freelar
Anyone can contribute
Created:Jan 27, 2012
Modified: Jan 20, 2013
View Count: 108(Recent: 1)
Fold3, In Honor of Joe Dunn Freeland Jr (https://www.fold3.com/memorial/286363012/in-honor-of-joe-dunn-freeland-jr/facts : accessed Apr 26, 2024), database and images, https://www.fold3.com/memorial/286363012/in-honor-of-joe-dunn-freeland-jr/facts