Joseph Albert Pappalardo was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on December 26, 1922. He was inducted into service at New Orleans, Louisiana on February 11, 1943. He had completed 4 years of high school, was single, and had been employed as a general industry clerk.

After basic training, he was sent to flexible aerial gunnery school. He graduated from this course, and was promoted to Sergeant. He was then assigned to an operational unit for combat crew assignment, further gunnery training, and flight armorer duties.

In January 1944 he was assigned to the 388th Bomb Group, operating from Knettishall, England. He was further assigned to the 561st Bomb Squadron where he took up duties as a ball turret gunner. He flew his first combat mission on February 6, 1944 as a member of the Warden crew aboard B-17G # 42-30778, "Lady Margaret."

On February 13, 1944, he flew a mission with the Payne crew. His second mission with the Payne crew came on February 20, 1944. The crew participated in a bomb strike on Pozan, Poland. As the bomber formation crossed the Danish peninsula, it was attacked by a large group of enemy aircraft. These attacks continued the rest of the way in, over the target, and in the withdrawal. The target was bombed, and the formation turned for home, still under attack.

Lt Payne radioed he was returning to base on a route not briefed as he had a massive fuel leak. No word was heard from him again. The aircraft continued on, and made an emergency landing at Assen, Denmark where all the crew but one was killed in the landing. The tail gunner survived, badly wounded, and was captured and sent to a German military hospital.

SSgt Pappalardo is now buried in the Metairie Cemetery, New Orleans, Orleans Parish, Louisiana, USA. He was one of the many brave Americans of the 388th Bomber Group who lost their lives in aerial operations against the German forces from June 1943 - August 1945.

Source of information: www.findagrave.com