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World War II Honoree

Killed in World War II

Vern Joseph Gidcumb, Jr.

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

Saline County, Illinois

Honored By

Sam E. Pennartz

Branch Seal
Activity During WWII

ENLISTED ON 30 OCTOBER 1941 AT SCOTT FIELD, ILLINOIS AS AN AVIATION CADET. ASSIGNED TO THE ARMY AIR CORPS, 317TH TROOP CARRIER GROUP, 46TH TROOP CARRIER SQUADRON. ON 14 JUNE 1943 HE WAS THE PILOT ONBOARD A B-17 (TAIL #40-2072) RETURNING TO PORT MORESBY, NEW GUINEA FROM MACKAY, QUEENSLAND. HE DIED SHORTLY AFTER TAKE-OFF FROM MACKAY AIRFIELD WHEN HIS CONVERTED B-17C FLYING FORTRESS, BEING USED AS A TROOP TRANSPORT, CAUGHT FIRE AND CRASHED AT BAKERS CREEK, NEAR MACKAY, QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA. HE IS INTERRED AT THE WOLF CREEK CEMETERY, IN ELDORADO, ILLINOIS.