Siblings
James D. Eldridge
b.22 Jan 1915
d.19 Jun 2004
Agnes Ruth (Baby Ruth) Eldridge
b. 20 Dec 1918
d. 7 Feb 2008
Yank joined the service in 1942, his last training place was in Nebraska in 1943. Where he was shipped to Gioia del Colle Airfield, Castellucio, Italy. He was part of the 15th Air Force, 49th Bombardment Wing, he was the tail gunner in a B-24. He flew on missions taking photo's of German hostile areas. His last mission was during "Big Week" the plane was hit flying over Regensburg, he stayed behind on the tail gun, drawing fire long enough for everyone to get out. At which point he then tried to exit the plane at a proper altitude. When he landed one of his legs were badly broken and he sustained severe injuries. The plane crashed under the mountain Balon in Zederhaus he was found a year later only a mile from a small village, he had frozen to death. The name of his B-24 Liberator Bomber was "The Citadel" this was 25 Feb 1944.
A book written by a solider from Americus mentions Yank as he was missing for a year and many were inquiring about him. The book was called "My WWII".
Received the Purple Heart and the Air Medal.
Siblings
James D. Eldridge
b.22 Jan 1915
d.19 Jun 2004
Agnes Ruth (Baby Ruth) Eldridge
b. 20 Dec 1918
d. 7 Feb 2008
Yank joined the service in 1942, his last training place was in Nebraska in 1943. Where he was shipped to Gioia del Colle Airfield, Castellucio, Italy. He was part of the 15th Air Force, 49th Bombardment Wing, he was the tail gunner in a B-24. He flew on missions taking photo's of German hostile areas. His last mission was during "Big Week" the plane was hit flying over Regensburg, he stayed behind on the tail gun, drawing fire long enough for everyone to get out. At which point he then tried to exit the plane at a proper altitude. When he landed one of his legs were badly broken and he sustained severe injuries. The plane crashed under the mountain Balon in Zederhaus he was found a year later only a mile from a small village, he had frozen to death. The name of his B-24 Liberator Bomber was "The Citadel" this was 25 Feb 1944.
A book written by a solider from Americus mentions Yank as he was missing for a year and many were inquiring about him. The book was called "My WWII".
Received the Purple Heart and the Air Medal.
Inscription
Sgt U.S. Army Air Corps, Lost over South Austria, near Spittal Feb 25 1944 manning tail turret guns on B-24 bomber in the unknown battle
Gravesite Details
Called "Yank" His body is buried in Saint Avilds France, this is a marker for the family. My dad was very close to him and remembered him in great detail, he was his hero and left a big gap in my father when he died.
Family Members
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