World War II Honoree

Edward Earl Zesch

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

Chicago, Illinois

Honored By

Dolores Patrica Zesch

Relationship

Wife

SERVED IN 8TH AIR FORCE, 34TH BOMB GROUP, 7TH BOMB SQUADRON BASED AT MENDLESHAM, ENGLAND IN 1945. FLEW AS AERIAL GUNNER ON B-17 FLYING FORTRESS. PARTICIPATED IN FOOD DROP MISSION (OPERATION CHOWHOUND) OVER HOLLAND. 34TH BOMB GROUP FLEW 233 SORTIES, DROPPING ALMOST 500 TONS OF FOOD INTO HOLLAND TO SAVE DUTCH PEOPLE FROM STARVING. BATTLES AND CAMPAIGNS: RHINELAND. DECORATIONS AND CITATIONS: GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL, WWII VICTORY MEDAL, EUROPEAN-AFRICAN THEATER RIBBON WITH 1 BRONZE BATTLE STAR, AMERICAN THEATER RIBBON AND PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION. WAS HONORABLY DISCHARGED AS STAFF SERGEANT. ENLISTED IN THE U.S. AIR FORCE RESERVE FOLLOWING HONORABLE DISCHARGE.