World War II Honoree

Samuel D. Belker

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

New York City, New York

Honored By

Sam E. Pennartz

ENLISTED IN THE ARMY AIR CORPS ON 5 NOVEMBER 1942 AT NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK. ASSIGNED TO THE MEDITERRANEAN THEATRE OF OPERATIONS, 12TH AIR FORCE, 42ND WING, 320TH BOMBARDMENT GROUP (M), 444TH BOMB SQUADRON STATIONED AT ALTO AIRFIELD ON THE ISLAND OF CORSICA. ON 8 NOVEMBER 1944, HE FLEW IN THE BOMBARDIER POSITION ABOARD A MARTIN B-26C MARAUDER NICKNAMED 'CINDY THE II' (TAIL # 42-107556). THE AIRCRAFT SUSTAINED FLAK DAMAGE TO THE LEFT ENGINE FROM GERMAN 88MM ANTI-AIRCRAFT ARTILLERY, WHILE ON A MISSION TO BOMBARD A RAILROAD BRIDGE AT CASALE MONFERRATO, ITALY. HE WAS KILLED WHEN THE AIRCRAFT WENT INTO A SPIN AND EXPLODED INTO FLAMES UPON IMPACT JUST NORTH OF THE TARGET AREA.