Barab Bernard R. J.

Name:

Bernard R. J. Barab

Rank:

First Lieutenant

Serial Number:

O-796643

Unit:

357th Fighter Squadron, 355th Fighter Group

Date of Death:

1944-11-26

State:

New Jersey

Cemetery:

Ardennes American Cemetery,Neupré, Belgium

Plot:

C

Row:

6

Grave:

52

Decoration:

Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster

Comments:

1LT Barnard R.J. Barab enlisted in the US Army Reserve in New Jersey. While assigned to the 357th Fighter Squadron, he was credited with a confirmed kill in aerial combat. He was the pilot of the P-51D serial no. 44-13574 during Operation RAMROD on 26 November 1944 over Hannover from 1045 to 1445. After 1235, 30-40 fighter planes intercepted the American bombers. The 357th shot down 17 enemy planes in the ensuing combat without a loss, and two more waves of enemy fighters allowed them to add 4 victories. Lt Barab was involved in an aerial collision with the fighter plane of LT Charles Kelly. Both planes crashed and neither pilot was able to eject. Lt Barab is buried in Ardennes American Cemetery, Neupre, Belgium.