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World War II Honoree

World War II Veteran

Edwin S. Onken

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

Manito, Illinois

Honored By

George Henderson

Relationship

Funeral Director

Branch Seal
Activity During WWII

ENLISTED IN THE ARMY AIR CORPS ON AUGUST 26, 1943. 1ST LIEUTENANT IN THE 508TH SQUADRON, 351ST HEAVY BOMB GROUP, 8TH AIR FORCE. BOMBARDIER AND A FLEX GUNNERY ABOARD A B-17. HIS PLANE WAS SHOT DOWN OVER GERMANY ON MAY 28, 1944. RECEIVED WOUNDS WHICH DISABLED HIM AND WAS AWARDED A PURPLE HEART. HE WAS HELD AS POW UNTIL THE END OF THE WAR. DISCHARGED ON DECEMBER 12, 1945 AT FORT SHERIDAN, ILLINOIS.