World War II Honoree

John J. Costello

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

Scranton, Pennsylvania

Honored By

Tom Costello

Relationship

Son

ENLISTED JANUARY 1941. TRAINED AS ARMORER GUNNER IN 8TH AIR FORCE, U.S. ARMY AIR CORPS. SERVED IN 351ST BOMB GROUP, 510TH SQUADRON. FLEW 9 BOMBING MISSIONS OUT OF POLEBROOK, ENGLAND BETWEEN APRIL AND JUNE 1943. SHOT DOWN OVER ST. NAZAIRE, FRANCE ON JUNE 28, 1943. POW IN GERMANY AND AUSTRIA FOR 2 YEARS; DULAG LUFT, STALAG 7-A, STALAG 17-B. LIBERATED MAY 1945. RECEIVED DISTINGUISHED UNIT CITATION, PURPLE HEART, AIR MEDAL, GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL, WWII VICTORY MEDAL, EUROPEAN CAMPAIGN MEDAL, AMERICAN CAMPAIGN SERVICE MEDAL AND POW MEDAL (POSTHUMOUSLY).