Charles Gordon “Gordy” Steindorf was born on August 26, 1923, in Albany, Wisconsin. He was the son of Carl Emil Steindorf and Doris Mary Gillette Steindorf.

A sophomore at the University of Wisconsin School of Pharmacy when he left to join the AAF, he received his wings in April 1944. He had training at Lincoln, Nebraska, LaJunta, Colorado, and other places in the US before going to England.

Charles served in the 861st Bomber Squadron, 493rd Bomber Group, Heavy, as a Second Lieutenant and Co-Pilot on the B-17G #43-38232 'Proud Pappy' during World War II. He was Killed in Action when his B-17 was shot down over Germany on November 25, 1944. The flight began smoothly, but the weather was bad over the target, and the flak was heavy. Proud Pappy was hit and exploded over Muschwitz, which is about 30 km southeast of Merseburg. Seven crew members were killed, and two others were taken as prisoners.

2Lt Steindorf is now buried in the Hillcrest Cemetery, Albany, Green County, Wisconsin, USA.

The crew that day were John Miller, Chas Steindorf, Dan Zimmerman, Bob Karlson, Luther Hackman, Bill Ford, Bill Burns (7 Killed in Action); Jose Gonzales, Harry Kellermeyer (2 Prisoner of War).

Source of information: www.findagrave.com, www.americanairmuseum.com