World War II Honoree

Herbert F. Egender

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Honored By

Orville L. Kline

Rank: Second Lieutenant. Inducted into the United States Army Air Corps March 25, 1942 at Fort Logan, Colorado. As a graduate of the Advanced Flight Aviation Cadet program, he accepted his Commission and Silver Bombardier Wings. He served as a Bombardier aboard a B-17 ‘Flying-Fortress’ Bomber, assigned to the 322nd Bomber Squadron, 91st Bomber Group, and a subordinate unit of the U.S. 8th Air Force ‘Mighty Eighth’ Army Air Forces. His unit was based at the Bassingbourn Royal Air Force Station Location: Cambridgeshire, England. Tuesday, August 17, 1943 while participating in a bombing mission to Schweinfurt, Germany, his bomber was shot down by German Fighters. He was able to bail-out, and later captured by the German Armed Forces. His captors transferred him to the Prisoner of War Camp, Stalag 7A near Moosburg, Bavaria. When the War ended in Europe Tuesday, May 8, 1945 he was liberated, and returned to military control. This American Patriot received the following Decorations: The Air Medal, WWII Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal and the Silver Aviator Badge. The Air Medal was awarded to the Lieutenant for meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight.