World War II Honoree

Frank A. Pelley, Jr.

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

East Greenwich, Rhode Island

Honored By

Carol Pelley Boulay

Relationship

Daughter

ASSIGNED TO THE 545TH BOMB SQUADRON, 384TH BOMB GROUP (H) AS A BOMBARDIER. ON NOVEMBER 26, 1943 HIS B-17 'CHAPLAIN'S OFFICE' WAS SHOT DOWN ON THEIR FIRST COMBAT MISSION OVER BREMEN, GERMANY. WHILE BAILING OUT, THE BALL TURRET GUNNER'S PARACHUTE BECAME CAUGHT ON THE PLANE AND HE REMAINED ONBOARD WHILE TRYING TO PULL HIM BACK INSIDE. THE B-17 BELLY LANDED, HOWEVER THE GUNNER WAS KILLED. HE SPENT THE REMAINDER OF WWII AS A PRISONER OF WAR AT STALAG LUFT 1, BARTH, GERMANY.