Print plaque Printing Tips

World War II Honoree

World War II Veteran

Gerald Prairie

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

Glens Falls, New York

Honored By

Michael Lynett

Branch Seal
Activity During WWII

Served in the U.S. Army Air Forces 490th Bombardment Group. He was a top turret gunner on bombing missions and an engineer on flying machines, where he was responsible for making sure the plane had enough fuel. On November 30, 1944, he and fellow crew member were forced to bail out after their B-17 was hit by flak on the way to Merseburg and they developed an engine problem. He landed in a ditch about 40 miles north of Brussels, breaking his ankle in several places. He received a Purple Heart and five other medals for his service.