An inscribed brown marble flat headstone surrounded by short hedges.

The Isolated Burial (ISOB) of Staff Sergeant Jack Wagner of the 565th Bomber Squadron, 389th Bomber Group.  SSG was the tailgunner of B-17 (42-95144) 'European Clipper'. On June 20, 1944, on its way to the target 'European Clipper' collided with B-24 (42-100351) that was flying above it. B-24 (42-100351) lost a propeller and crashed. 'European Clipper' lost its tail section and went into a spinning dive which ended with the aircraft crashing in the sea approximately 2 kilometers southeast of Kelsnor lighthouse on the island of Langeland.  SSG Wagner was killed in the crash. On July 8, 1944 a Danish civilian found his body washed ashore on the east end island of Ærø. On July 11, 1944 he was laid to rest in Marstal cemetery with military honors. 

The crew of the B-24 'European Clipper' (42-95144) included:

1st/Lt Herschell R. Chappell Pilot

2nd/Lt. Donald M. Fuller Co Pilot KIA

Flight Officer Alex M. Rodek Navigator

1st/ Lt. Richard M. Mullins Bombardier MIA/KIA

T/Sgt. Harold H. Valentine Engineer KIA

T/Sgt. Richard V. Owens Radio Op. KIA

S/Sgt.Ralph P. Feliz Gunner KIA

S/Sgt. Howard R. Penfield Gunner KIA

S/Sgt. Jacob G Heilich Gunner POW

S/Sgt. Jack E. Wagner Gunner KIA

Crewmate of SSG Wagner, SSG Howard R. Penfield, is remembered nearby at the Magleby Churchyard with a cenotaph where he was buried in 1944. See site Magleby Churchyard for more information on this memorial.

JACK E.WAGNER

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

9.21.1925 +1944

GUDS FRED

Peace in God