Name:
Henry A., Jr. Mitchell
Rank:
Staff Sergeant
Serial Number:
12041202
Unit:
364th Bomber Squadron, 305th Bomb Group, Heavy
Date of Death:
1943-05-17
State:
New York
Cemetery:
Manila American Cemetery, Manila, Philippines
Plot:
D
Row:
12
Grave:
83
Decoration:
Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, Purple Hear
Comments:
SSgt Henry A. Mitchell Jr., tail gunner of the B-17 42-5219, took off from station 105 in Chelveston, Nothamptonshire, UK on a bombing mission over Lorient’s submarine pens. However, the plane experienced engine trouble on the way over there, leaving it vulnerable to strafing runs by enemy fighters. Once over the target area, the plane suffered more damage, prompting the pilot to give the order to bail out. Only four were able to jump successfully. Of the rest, two died due to malfunctioning parachutes and one body was found shot through the head. The others went down with the plane.