Entered the service from Pennsylvania.
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Second Lieutenant William Joseph Fuerth, born 23 Nov 1921, was the son of William and Mamie S (Urwitz) Fuerth of Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. Wilkes-Barre is in eastern Pennsylvania 121 miles west northwest of New York City.
In the 1930 census 8-year-old William is living with his parents and sister Dorothy 13, at #72 Sullivan Street (pic in replies) in Wilkes-Barre. His father is a hotel manager.
Williams parents must have divorced and William went to live with his mother and sister in Philadelphia in 1935.
William enlisted in the Army Air Corps 6 Jul 1942. At the time, he was living with his mother and sister at 1811 West Erie Avenue (pic in replies) in Philadelphia.
This post incorrectly shows Lt Fuerth with the 551st Bomb Squadron of the 385th Bomb Group. The American Air Museum lists him and his plane with the 508th Bomb Squadron of the 351st Bomb Group. Accident-Report.com also lists his plane with the 351st BG.
The 508th Bomb Squadron of the 351st Bomb Group flew out of RAF Polebrook. RAF Polebrook was located just southeast of Oundle, Northamptonshire, England. Oundle is 78 miles north of London. Lt. Fuerth was the navigator on B-17 42-38146, piloted by Lt John M Morton (crew pic below, Fuerth bottom row second from right), which was shot down and crashed near Benndorf, Germany, 31 miles northwest of Merseburg, 45 miles west northwest of Leipzig, on 29 Jul 1944. Merseburg is 17 miles west of Leipzig and 112 miles southwest of Berlin.
Missing Air Crew Report 7323,
Eyewitness Account:
"I, Frederick V. McAfee, O-751014, was flying as pilot of Aircraft No. 43-37595 which was in Lead Position, Low Squadron, Low Group, on a mission to Merseburg, Germany on 29 July 1944. Lt. Morton was flying High Group above me, and the first thing I noticed was that he had fallen out of his position and descended past me on my right side. I noticed that all the engines were turning, but there was a fire coming out of the bomb bay and the nose and cockpit had been shot out. I saw no parachutes nor did I hear anything on VHF [radio]." [Signed] Frederick V. McAfee, 1st Lt, Air Corps.
Eyewitness Account
"I, George T. Scerrati, 32538981, was flying as Tail Gunner on Aircraft No. 42-102576 which was in No. 3 Position, High Squadron, Low Box, on a mission to Merseburg, Germany on 29 July 1944. Just at "bombs away" time Lt. Morton's plane was hit under the wing by flak, the blow knocking off the bomb bay doors and tearing a large hole in the wing. The plane fell out of formation and turned completely over on its way down. While it descended I saw four (4) chutes come out, one (1) of which was only half open. Shortly afterwards, the plane exploded in mid-air." [Signed] George T. Scerrati, 32538981, T/Sgt., 509th Bomb Sq. (H).
German records: "The plane crashed 100 meters north of Benndorf, [Benndorf is 26 miles NW of Merseburg]. Condition of craft: 99% damage, 70% burnt."
The NARA WWII casualty listings by state and county show Fuerth, William J, O-717582, 2 LT, as FOD (Finding of Death). A finding of death was determined one year and one day after a soldier or airman went missing in action.
The Wilkes-Barre Record (Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania) – 14 Aug 1945, Tue – FLIER IS NOW THOUGHT DEAD – Lt. Fuerth Reported Missing July 29, 1944 – Missing since his Flying Fortress was shot down over Germany on July 29, 1944, Second Lt. William J. Fuerth, 24, is now presumed to have been killed in action on that date, according to a War Department message to his father, William Fuerth, 40 North Main street, city. The flier’s mother, Mrs. Mamie Fuerth, and a sister Dorothy Jane, reside in Philadelphia. The War Department letter to the airman’s father said the record “concerning your son shows that he was a crew member on a Flying Fortress which was lost on a bombing mission to Merseburg, Germany, which is approximately sixteen miles west of Leipzig. Over the target his plane received a direct hit by flak which tore a hole in the wing and shot away part of the fuselage. A short while later it seemed to explode.” Second Lt. Fuerth formerly lived at 167 East Market street, city, and attended G.A.R. High School. He had been living in Philadelphia with his mother and sister since 1935 until he entered military service. His father, William, and the flier’s uncle, Mose Fuerth, conducted a seafood business for some years at the corner of Market and Welles street, city.
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Second Lieutenant William Joseph Fuerth, born 23 Nov 1921, was the son of William and Mamie S (Urwitz) Fuerth of Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. Wilkes-Barre is in eastern Pennsylvania 121 miles west northwest of New York City.
In the 1930 census 8-year-old William is living with his parents and sister Dorothy 13, at #72 Sullivan Street (pic in replies) in Wilkes-Barre. His father is a hotel manager.
Williams parents must have divorced and William went to live with his mother and sister in Philadelphia in 1935.
William enlisted in the Army Air Corps 6 Jul 1942. At the time, he was living with his mother and sister at 1811 West Erie Avenue (pic in replies) in Philadelphia.
This post incorrectly shows Lt Fuerth with the 551st Bomb Squadron of the 385th Bomb Group. The American Air Museum lists him and his plane with the 508th Bomb Squadron of the 351st Bomb Group. Accident-Report.com also lists his plane with the 351st BG.
The 508th Bomb Squadron of the 351st Bomb Group flew out of RAF Polebrook. RAF Polebrook was located just southeast of Oundle, Northamptonshire, England. Oundle is 78 miles north of London. Lt. Fuerth was the navigator on B-17 42-38146, piloted by Lt John M Morton (crew pic below, Fuerth bottom row second from right), which was shot down and crashed near Benndorf, Germany, 31 miles northwest of Merseburg, 45 miles west northwest of Leipzig, on 29 Jul 1944. Merseburg is 17 miles west of Leipzig and 112 miles southwest of Berlin.
Missing Air Crew Report 7323,
Eyewitness Account:
"I, Frederick V. McAfee, O-751014, was flying as pilot of Aircraft No. 43-37595 which was in Lead Position, Low Squadron, Low Group, on a mission to Merseburg, Germany on 29 July 1944. Lt. Morton was flying High Group above me, and the first thing I noticed was that he had fallen out of his position and descended past me on my right side. I noticed that all the engines were turning, but there was a fire coming out of the bomb bay and the nose and cockpit had been shot out. I saw no parachutes nor did I hear anything on VHF [radio]." [Signed] Frederick V. McAfee, 1st Lt, Air Corps.
Eyewitness Account
"I, George T. Scerrati, 32538981, was flying as Tail Gunner on Aircraft No. 42-102576 which was in No. 3 Position, High Squadron, Low Box, on a mission to Merseburg, Germany on 29 July 1944. Just at "bombs away" time Lt. Morton's plane was hit under the wing by flak, the blow knocking off the bomb bay doors and tearing a large hole in the wing. The plane fell out of formation and turned completely over on its way down. While it descended I saw four (4) chutes come out, one (1) of which was only half open. Shortly afterwards, the plane exploded in mid-air." [Signed] George T. Scerrati, 32538981, T/Sgt., 509th Bomb Sq. (H).
German records: "The plane crashed 100 meters north of Benndorf, [Benndorf is 26 miles NW of Merseburg]. Condition of craft: 99% damage, 70% burnt."
The NARA WWII casualty listings by state and county show Fuerth, William J, O-717582, 2 LT, as FOD (Finding of Death). A finding of death was determined one year and one day after a soldier or airman went missing in action.
The Wilkes-Barre Record (Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania) – 14 Aug 1945, Tue – FLIER IS NOW THOUGHT DEAD – Lt. Fuerth Reported Missing July 29, 1944 – Missing since his Flying Fortress was shot down over Germany on July 29, 1944, Second Lt. William J. Fuerth, 24, is now presumed to have been killed in action on that date, according to a War Department message to his father, William Fuerth, 40 North Main street, city. The flier’s mother, Mrs. Mamie Fuerth, and a sister Dorothy Jane, reside in Philadelphia. The War Department letter to the airman’s father said the record “concerning your son shows that he was a crew member on a Flying Fortress which was lost on a bombing mission to Merseburg, Germany, which is approximately sixteen miles west of Leipzig. Over the target his plane received a direct hit by flak which tore a hole in the wing and shot away part of the fuselage. A short while later it seemed to explode.” Second Lt. Fuerth formerly lived at 167 East Market street, city, and attended G.A.R. High School. He had been living in Philadelphia with his mother and sister since 1935 until he entered military service. His father, William, and the flier’s uncle, Mose Fuerth, conducted a seafood business for some years at the corner of Market and Welles street, city.
Entered the service from Pennsylvania.
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Second Lieutenant William Joseph Fuerth, born 23 Nov 1921, was the son of William and Mamie S (Urwitz) Fuerth of Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. Wilkes-Barre is in eastern Pennsylvania 121 miles west northwest of New York City.
In the 1930 census 8-year-old William is living with his parents and sister Dorothy 13, at #72 Sullivan Street (pic in replies) in Wilkes-Barre. His father is a hotel manager.
Williams parents must have divorced and William went to live with his mother and sister in Philadelphia in 1935.
William enlisted in the Army Air Corps 6 Jul 1942. At the time, he was living with his mother and sister at 1811 West Erie Avenue (pic in replies) in Philadelphia.
This post incorrectly shows Lt Fuerth with the 551st Bomb Squadron of the 385th Bomb Group. The American Air Museum lists him and his plane with the 508th Bomb Squadron of the 351st Bomb Group. Accident-Report.com also lists his plane with the 351st BG.
The 508th Bomb Squadron of the 351st Bomb Group flew out of RAF Polebrook. RAF Polebrook was located just southeast of Oundle, Northamptonshire, England. Oundle is 78 miles north of London. Lt. Fuerth was the navigator on B-17 42-38146, piloted by Lt John M Morton (crew pic below, Fuerth bottom row second from right), which was shot down and crashed near Benndorf, Germany, 31 miles northwest of Merseburg, 45 miles west northwest of Leipzig, on 29 Jul 1944. Merseburg is 17 miles west of Leipzig and 112 miles southwest of Berlin.
Missing Air Crew Report 7323,
Eyewitness Account:
"I, Frederick V. McAfee, O-751014, was flying as pilot of Aircraft No. 43-37595 which was in Lead Position, Low Squadron, Low Group, on a mission to Merseburg, Germany on 29 July 1944. Lt. Morton was flying High Group above me, and the first thing I noticed was that he had fallen out of his position and descended past me on my right side. I noticed that all the engines were turning, but there was a fire coming out of the bomb bay and the nose and cockpit had been shot out. I saw no parachutes nor did I hear anything on VHF [radio]." [Signed] Frederick V. McAfee, 1st Lt, Air Corps.
Eyewitness Account
"I, George T. Scerrati, 32538981, was flying as Tail Gunner on Aircraft No. 42-102576 which was in No. 3 Position, High Squadron, Low Box, on a mission to Merseburg, Germany on 29 July 1944. Just at "bombs away" time Lt. Morton's plane was hit under the wing by flak, the blow knocking off the bomb bay doors and tearing a large hole in the wing. The plane fell out of formation and turned completely over on its way down. While it descended I saw four (4) chutes come out, one (1) of which was only half open. Shortly afterwards, the plane exploded in mid-air." [Signed] George T. Scerrati, 32538981, T/Sgt., 509th Bomb Sq. (H).
German records: "The plane crashed 100 meters north of Benndorf, [Benndorf is 26 miles NW of Merseburg]. Condition of craft: 99% damage, 70% burnt."
The NARA WWII casualty listings by state and county show Fuerth, William J, O-717582, 2 LT, as FOD (Finding of Death). A finding of death was determined one year and one day after a soldier or airman went missing in action.
The Wilkes-Barre Record (Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania) – 14 Aug 1945, Tue – FLIER IS NOW THOUGHT DEAD – Lt. Fuerth Reported Missing July 29, 1944 – Missing since his Flying Fortress was shot down over Germany on July 29, 1944, Second Lt. William J. Fuerth, 24, is now presumed to have been killed in action on that date, according to a War Department message to his father, William Fuerth, 40 North Main street, city. The flier’s mother, Mrs. Mamie Fuerth, and a sister Dorothy Jane, reside in Philadelphia. The War Department letter to the airman’s father said the record “concerning your son shows that he was a crew member on a Flying Fortress which was lost on a bombing mission to Merseburg, Germany, which is approximately sixteen miles west of Leipzig. Over the target his plane received a direct hit by flak which tore a hole in the wing and shot away part of the fuselage. A short while later it seemed to explode.” Second Lt. Fuerth formerly lived at 167 East Market street, city, and attended G.A.R. High School. He had been living in Philadelphia with his mother and sister since 1935 until he entered military service. His father, William, and the flier’s uncle, Mose Fuerth, conducted a seafood business for some years at the corner of Market and Welles street, city.
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Second Lieutenant William Joseph Fuerth, born 23 Nov 1921, was the son of William and Mamie S (Urwitz) Fuerth of Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. Wilkes-Barre is in eastern Pennsylvania 121 miles west northwest of New York City.
In the 1930 census 8-year-old William is living with his parents and sister Dorothy 13, at #72 Sullivan Street (pic in replies) in Wilkes-Barre. His father is a hotel manager.
Williams parents must have divorced and William went to live with his mother and sister in Philadelphia in 1935.
William enlisted in the Army Air Corps 6 Jul 1942. At the time, he was living with his mother and sister at 1811 West Erie Avenue (pic in replies) in Philadelphia.
This post incorrectly shows Lt Fuerth with the 551st Bomb Squadron of the 385th Bomb Group. The American Air Museum lists him and his plane with the 508th Bomb Squadron of the 351st Bomb Group. Accident-Report.com also lists his plane with the 351st BG.
The 508th Bomb Squadron of the 351st Bomb Group flew out of RAF Polebrook. RAF Polebrook was located just southeast of Oundle, Northamptonshire, England. Oundle is 78 miles north of London. Lt. Fuerth was the navigator on B-17 42-38146, piloted by Lt John M Morton (crew pic below, Fuerth bottom row second from right), which was shot down and crashed near Benndorf, Germany, 31 miles northwest of Merseburg, 45 miles west northwest of Leipzig, on 29 Jul 1944. Merseburg is 17 miles west of Leipzig and 112 miles southwest of Berlin.
Missing Air Crew Report 7323,
Eyewitness Account:
"I, Frederick V. McAfee, O-751014, was flying as pilot of Aircraft No. 43-37595 which was in Lead Position, Low Squadron, Low Group, on a mission to Merseburg, Germany on 29 July 1944. Lt. Morton was flying High Group above me, and the first thing I noticed was that he had fallen out of his position and descended past me on my right side. I noticed that all the engines were turning, but there was a fire coming out of the bomb bay and the nose and cockpit had been shot out. I saw no parachutes nor did I hear anything on VHF [radio]." [Signed] Frederick V. McAfee, 1st Lt, Air Corps.
Eyewitness Account
"I, George T. Scerrati, 32538981, was flying as Tail Gunner on Aircraft No. 42-102576 which was in No. 3 Position, High Squadron, Low Box, on a mission to Merseburg, Germany on 29 July 1944. Just at "bombs away" time Lt. Morton's plane was hit under the wing by flak, the blow knocking off the bomb bay doors and tearing a large hole in the wing. The plane fell out of formation and turned completely over on its way down. While it descended I saw four (4) chutes come out, one (1) of which was only half open. Shortly afterwards, the plane exploded in mid-air." [Signed] George T. Scerrati, 32538981, T/Sgt., 509th Bomb Sq. (H).
German records: "The plane crashed 100 meters north of Benndorf, [Benndorf is 26 miles NW of Merseburg]. Condition of craft: 99% damage, 70% burnt."
The NARA WWII casualty listings by state and county show Fuerth, William J, O-717582, 2 LT, as FOD (Finding of Death). A finding of death was determined one year and one day after a soldier or airman went missing in action.
The Wilkes-Barre Record (Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania) – 14 Aug 1945, Tue – FLIER IS NOW THOUGHT DEAD – Lt. Fuerth Reported Missing July 29, 1944 – Missing since his Flying Fortress was shot down over Germany on July 29, 1944, Second Lt. William J. Fuerth, 24, is now presumed to have been killed in action on that date, according to a War Department message to his father, William Fuerth, 40 North Main street, city. The flier’s mother, Mrs. Mamie Fuerth, and a sister Dorothy Jane, reside in Philadelphia. The War Department letter to the airman’s father said the record “concerning your son shows that he was a crew member on a Flying Fortress which was lost on a bombing mission to Merseburg, Germany, which is approximately sixteen miles west of Leipzig. Over the target his plane received a direct hit by flak which tore a hole in the wing and shot away part of the fuselage. A short while later it seemed to explode.” Second Lt. Fuerth formerly lived at 167 East Market street, city, and attended G.A.R. High School. He had been living in Philadelphia with his mother and sister since 1935 until he entered military service. His father, William, and the flier’s uncle, Mose Fuerth, conducted a seafood business for some years at the corner of Market and Welles street, city.
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551 BOMB SQ 385 BOMB GP/H/ PA
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