World War II Honoree

Lionel Jerome 'Bud' Emswiler

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

Ekalaka, Montana

Honored By

Janet Sue Emswiler-Dale

Relationship

Niece

15TH AIR FORCE, 763RD BOMBER SQUADRON, 460TH HEAVY BOMBER GROUP H, B-24 BOMBER 'LIBERATOR', AERIAL TAIL GUNNER. His squadron flew its last mission against a target in northern Italy on 26 April 1945. On April 27, a company of U.S. troops were trapped behind enemy lines and they desperately needed food and ammunition. An emergency mission to drop supplies from the air was quickly scheduled. He was one of the airmen who volunteered (to co-pilot) to make the flight. His airplane was on fire as it returned to the base. They had been caught in crossfire. The plane crash landed near a monastery in Matera, Italy, killing 3 airmen on board. 25 MISSIONS. AWARDED THE AIR MEDAL WITH 2 OAK LEAF CLUSTERS. Buried in Normandy American Military Cemetery, France.