Memorials › SGT John Sybert Swenk
SGT John Sybert Swenk
15 Jun 1912 – 5 Mar 1943
| Birth | 15 Jun 1912 |
| Death | 5 Mar 1943 |
| Cemetery | Oakwood Cemetery Adrian , Lenawee County , Michigan , USA |
| Added by | David Clark on 17 Jul 2013 |
| FaG | https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/107640955 |
Bio
Seargent Swenk served with the 457th Bomb Squadron, 330th Bomb Group from Alamogordo Army Air Base, New Mexico. He was an assistant radio operator aboard B-24E Liberator #42-7018 and one of nine airmen who were killed when the bomber exploded and crashed, fifteen miles west of the airfield, March 5, 1943. For reasons not determined, the aircraft went into a dive while flying at high altitude. The Navigator was thrown and went unconscious. At a point around 7,800 feet (asl) an explosion between the fuselage and the No. 3 engine on the starboard wing occurred, and the Navigator was blown from the aircraft. He regained consciousness and was able to successfully parachute to ground. The remaining men aboard were killed. Investigators could not conclude a reason for the aircraft going into the dive which resulted in an explosion. But an altimeter was found that indicated the explosion occurred at 7,800 feet. The airmen killed were: 2LT John G Striplin , O-665734, TX, Pilot 2LT Joseph L Shumsky , O-795653, NJ, Co-Pilot 2LT Royce G Matthews , O-727362, CA, Bombardier TSGT Patrick G McKay , 13038546, PA, Flight Engineer SSGT William F George , 16070179, IL, Radio Operator SGT Lawson R. Armstrong Jr , 11097361, ME, Gunner SGT James R. Early , 17077285, MO, Gunner SSGT Marvin E T Litz , 33328483, PA, Assistant Engineer SGT John S Swenk , 39252668, MI, Asst. Radio Operator ~
Inscription
SGT, 457 AAF BOMB SQ WORLD WAR II
Photos
Family
Parents
Siblings
- Mary Lillian Swenk Pierce 1900–1999
- Juanita Kathryn Swenk Brown 1904–2001
- Floyd Excell Swenk 1907–1912
- Ruth Marguerite Swenk Ward 1909–1994
- Marion Donald Swenk 1914–1985
- Paul Frazier Swenk Sr 1919–2007
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