Patrick Joseph ( Joe ) Powers
S/Sgt 31128629 612th
Massachusetts
1911 - 1944
Engr / Top Turret aboard 42-31486
St Avold, Lorraine, France
Plot : D , Row : 32 , Grave : 23
Patrick was born Feb 5, 1911, Northampton, Massachusetts.
Patrick attended St. Michael's school and was employed by the board od public works in Northampton.
On Sept 2, 1942, he enlisted to the air corps, the same day his brother Thomas entered service.
After preliminary training at Fort Devens and in Atlantic City, he was sent to Seymour Johnson field in
Goldsboro NC for training in airplane mechanics.
He continued his training at the Army Air Forces Flexible Gunnery school, Tyndall field Fla and was
awarded his silver wings as an aerial gunner, and the rank of sergeant.
He was promoted to the grade of staff sergeant at the Dalhart Tex army airbase.
In 1943 he arrived in England to join the 401st BG
His last mission, 29 Jan 1944, Target: Frankfurt, the plane was attacked by enemy fighters.
Unfortunately, Patrick was killed
He was awarded with a Purple Heart Medal
In 1944, when Patrick died on the age of 33 he left behind his family :
His father, John J Powers, age 62
His mother, Mary Powers, age 64
His sister, Mary Powers, age 27
His brother, Thomas Powers, age 29
His sister, Anna Powers, age 25
His brother, John Powers, age 21
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Individual casualty questionaire
Told by Sgt Thomas Edward Brennan , Right Waist Gunner.
- Name of crew member : Powers, Patrick Joseph
- Rank : S/Sgt
- Serial number : 31128629
- Position : Engr / Top Turret
- Did he bail out ? : No.
- Where ? : Plane hit (after explosion) approx. 20 km from Kaiserslautern
- If not , why not ? : Explosion of plane
- Last contact just prior to loss of plane ? : He reported gun out of control just before reaching target
- Was he injured ? : Not to my knowledge.
- Where was he last seen ? : Leaving his turret as plane started spin.
- Any explanation of his fate ? : I was informed by German Doctor that all of my "comrades" were dead.
4 bodies were thrown clear of ship ( from his information ).
I believe he was injured in final fighter attack.
He was not in a position where he could get clear at time of the explosion.
Could only locate 1 parachute ( other then my own ) after the explosion.
- Total number of missions of above crew member ? : 4.
- Date and destinations if possible ? : Jan 7, 1944 Ludwigshaven
Jan 21, 1944 Garentos, France
Jan 29, 1944 Frankfurt
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Mission to Frankfurt, germany, Aircraft last seen with #1 and #2 engines on fire after attack by enemy aircraft.
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