Ronald L. Nelson.
409th Squadron · Of Cherokee, IA, WA.
The man.
Crew member of B-24 Liberator serial 41-24122, 409th Bombardment Squadron, 93rd Bombardment Group, Hardwick Airdrome. Reported missing in action on 16 April 1943 over the English Channel following a raid on Brest, France.
Nelson and his crewmates aboard 41-24122 were never reported as POWs, internees, or escapees. He was officially declared killed in action on 16 April 1943 per the Report of Death issued 7 April 1949 under Section 9 of the Missing Persons Act.
From the 2nd Air Division Association Yearbook
Assigned to 409th Sqdn., 93rd Bomb Group. Notable experience: the "Epic Flight of the Night Raider over Germany," published in Liberty Magazine (June 26, 1943 edition). Received Purple Heart and Air Medal. Killed in action April 16, 1943.
Service record.
Before and after.
Born June 12, 1912 in Cherokee, IA. Enlisted in USAAC on Dec. 10, 1941. Stationed at Army Air Base in Ft. Myers, FL; attended Gunnery School in Las Vegas, NV.
Killed in action April 16, 1943. His story "Epic Flight of the Night Raider" was published in Liberty Magazine on June 26, 1943. Brothers also served: Maynard (B-24 pilot, 15th Air Force, 51 missions); Russell (1st Army, Purple Heart); Llye (27th Infantry Division, Purple Heart).