Freeman, Willard Edward

Individual Personnel Data
Name Freeman, Willard Edward   ‡
⇗
Rank Sergeant / Technical Sergeant
Serial Number 32454255   ‡
Unit Assignments Assigned to the 545th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), per HQ 384th Bomb Group, Sioux City, Iowa, Special Orders #93 dated 19 April 1943, effective 19 April 1943.
Duty Ball Turret Gunner / Radio Operator / Gunner
MOS757 - Radio Operator / Mechanic / Gunner, AAF
Last Duty Date 4 July 1943
Results Evaded Capture
DecorationsAwarded the Purple Heart for wounds received on 4 July 1943 per General Orders #228, Headquarters, 8th Air Force dated 15 December 1943.
Additional Information
  • Date of Birth: 22 September 1913
  • Assigned to fly to England aboard aircraft 42-30045, R. Manning pilot, per Kearney Special Orders #96 dated 17 May 1943.
  • Promoted to Staff Sergeant on AAF Station 106 Special Orders #40 dated 1 July 1943.
  • Promoted to Technical Sergeant on AAF Station 106 Special Orders #173 dated 23 December 1943, after having returned to the squadron after evading capture since being shot down in July.
Related Documents Escape & Evasion Report # 263⇓ (Filesize N/A)
Post Loss Document File #5⇗



Missions, Aircraft, Crews
This individual was credited with 3 Combat Missions.
Number Date Target Position Aircraft Mission/Sortie Information
1⇗ 22 June 1943 Target: General Motors Truck Factory
Type: Industry
Location: Antwerp, Belgium 		Ball Turret 42‑30139⇗ Combat Mission Credit
Bomb rack did not work on toggle; bombs jettisoned in the Channel.
Sortie Report⇗
3⇗ 26 June 1943 Target: Villacoublay Airfield
Type: German Air Force (Luftwaffe)
Location: Paris, France 		Ball Turret 42‑30139⇗ Combat Mission Credit
Sortie Report⇗
4⇗ 28 June 1943 Target: Fighter Airfield
Type: German Air Force (Luftwaffe)
Location: Beaumont-le-Roger, France 		Ball Turret 42‑30139⇗ Aborted Mission After Taking Off
Turned back with #2 supercharger malfunctioning.
Sortie Report⇗
6⇗ 4 July 1943 Target: Gnome et Rhone Aircraft Engine Plant
Type: Aircraft Industry
Location: Le Mans, France 		Ball Turret 42‑29960⇗ Combat Mission Credit
Failed To Return
Low Squadron Deputy. Damaged by flak after the target, then further attacked by Me-109s; crashed near Belfonds, France. No MACR
Sortie Report⇗

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