DPAA Missing In Action

https://dpaa-mil.sites.crmforce.mil/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt000001nza03EAA

On May 30, 1944, a B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 42-39975) with a crew of nine departed England on a bombardment mission against enemy installations in Dessau, Germany. While over the target, just after bombs away, the aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire. The pilot requested fighter support and reported the loss of use of two engines and aileron control by radio. The Flying Fortress was last seen, by a crewman from another plane in the formation, being attacked by enemy fighters. All nine of the crew aboard remain unaccounted-for.

Staff Sergeant George R. Zirnheld (Service Number 33630825) entered the U.S. Army Air Forces from Virginia and served in the 323rd Bombardment Squadron, 91st Bombardment Group. He was the ball turret gunner on this Flying Fortress when it was lost. He has not been associated with any remains recovered from the area and is still unaccounted-for. Today, Staff Sergeant Zirnheld is memorialized on the Tablets of the Missing at the Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery in Hombourg, Belgium.

Based on all information available, DPAA assessed the individual's case to be in the analytical category of Active Pursuit.

Service Members Associated with S SGT GEORGE ZIRNHELD's Loss

CLEMENTS; WILLIAM P. 2d Lt MIA

COGDILL; TOMMY S Sgt MIA

COLLIER; ZACK C. 1st Lt MIA

KELLEHER; JOHN T. 1st Lt MIA

KOGUT; STEPHEN. T Sgt MIA

MCDERMOTT; HARRY J. 2d Lt MIA

SEMON; CHARLES J. S Sgt MIA

WARD; HARRY L. T Sgt MIA

ZIRNHELD; GEORGE R S Sgt MIA

George R Zirnheld