Earl Sullivan Jr. was born on October 12, 1921, in Carrollton, Greene County, Illinois. He was the son of Earl Sullivan Sr. and Courtney Evelyn Hillis Sullivan. He was married to Carol Sullivan. He attended Feitshans High School and graduated from Ball Township High School. He previously worked as a newspaper carrier for the Illinois State Journal. At the time he entered military service, he was employed as a bill clerk with the Southern Pacific Railroad. He served in the 612th Bomb Squadron, 401st Bomb Group, Heavy, as a Staff Sergeant and Ball Turret Gunner of B-17 #43-38733 ''I'll Be Seeing You'' during World War II.

On March 24, 1945, “I’ll Be Seeing You” participated in Operation Varsity, supporting Allied airborne forces during the crossing of the Rhine River into Germany. During the mission, the bomber encountered intense and highly accurate German anti-aircraft fire. Heavy flak severely damaged the aircraft, knocking out engines and inflicting critical structural damage while it was still over enemy territory. Despite the damage, the pilot managed to maintain control of the crippled bomber and turned back toward England. Struggling with reduced power and altitude, the crew worked to keep the aircraft airborne long enough to reach friendly soil. As they neared the English coast, it became evident that a standard landing would not be possible. The aircraft was forced to attempt an emergency landing near Halesworth, Suffolk, England. Although the pilot managed to bring the bomber down without it breaking apart completely, the combination of battle damage and impact proved catastrophic. Most of the crew were killed, with only a few surviving the crash. The aircraft was destroyed and later salvaged.

SSgt Sullivan was Killed in Action and is now buried in the Roselawn Memorial Park, Springfield, Sangamon County, Illinois, USA.

Source of information: www.findagrave.com, www.b17flyingfortress.de