Friedericke Truemper

People Buried Here

Description

http://www.cmohs.org/recipient-detail/3028/truemper-walter-e.php

TRUEMPER, WALTER E.

Rank: Second LieutenantOrganization: U.S. Army

Company: Division: 510th Bomber Squadron, 351st Bomber Group

Born: 31 October 1918, Aurora, Ill.Departed: Yes

Entered Service At: Aurora, Ill.G.O. Number: 52

Date of Issue: 06/22/1944Accredited To:

Place / Date: Over Europe, 20 February 1944

TRUEMPER, WALTER E. Photo

Citation

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy in connection with a bombing mission over enemy-occupied Europe on 20 February 1944. The aircraft on which 2d Lt. Truemper was serving as navigator was attacked by a squadron of enemy fighters with the result that the copilot was killed outright, the pilot wounded and rendered unconscious, the radio operator wounded and the plane severely damaged Nevertheless, 2d Lt. Truemper and other members of the crew managed to right the plane and fly it back to their home station, where they contacted the control tower and reported the situation. 2d Lt. Truemper and the engineer volunteered to attempt to land the plane. Other members of the crew were ordered to jump, leaving 2d Lt. Truemper and the engineer aboard. After observing the distressed aircraft from another plane, 2d Lt. Truemper's commanding officer decided the damaged plane could not be landed by the inexperienced crew and ordered them to abandon it and parachute to safety. Demonstrating unsurpassed courage and heroism, 2d Lt. Truemper and the engineer replied that the pilot was still alive but could not be moved and that they would not desert him. They were then told to attempt a landing. After 2 unsuccessful efforts their plane crashed into an open field in a third attempt to land. 2d Lt. Truemper, the engineer, and the wounded pilot were killed.