This was a B24 Liberator Bomber, which was one of the most commonly used air crafts during this time. It was also known as the "flying coffin" because of how "hard, stiffy, and heavy" the controls were. Many founds this aircraft to be difficult to control.
George E, Zaprala was serving his country during World War II when he lost his life. He had enlisted in the United States Army Air Forces on July 1, 1941. Zaprala had the rank of Sergeant. His military occupation was Ball Turret Gunner. He was attached to 847th Bomber Squadron, 489th Bomber Group, Heavy. He died in action on June 2nd, 1944, at 24 years old. He was on the crew of the B-24H Liberator #42-94832 flying out of Halesworth, Suffolk in a pre-invasion bombing over France. Their aircraft was hit in the #3 engine which exploded and tore off the right wing. All aboard died.
The mission of this bomb and sub bomb squadron was to prep for the invasion of Normandy on June 6 including a continuation of attacks against transportation and airfield targets in northern France and to enact a series of blows against coastal defenses.
This is the insignia of being ranked sergeant. Up until his death, this is the rank he held. Sergeant is in charge of supervising the soldiers below them and ensure that they are being directed, organized, and completing tasks. The sergeant upholds soldiers to military law and standards.
George, along with other sergeants and soldiers, was buried in
Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial: Colleville-sur-Mer, Departement du Calvados, Basse-Normandie, France
This is the average outfit for a member of the United States Army Air Force during WWII. The insignia on the right jacket is Staff Sergeant, which is a rank above Sergeant.
This is a bouncing bomb, which was a common weapon used by the Air Force during this time. It is released from a plane while flying over the target area.
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