Leo Baranik

Sgt 32529866 612th
New York
1920 - 1943

Waist Gunner aboard 42-37838 (Fancy Nancy)

Ardennes cemetery, Belgium.
Plot A - Row 12 - Grave 6

Sgt Baranik was killed on Mission 1.
He was the Group's first combat casualty.

     Leo was born 1920, Bronx, New York.
     His parents were from Russia and immigrated to America.

     He enlisted to the air corps.

     In 1943 he arrived in England to join the 401st BG
     His first and last mission, Nov 26, 1943, Target: Bremen, Leo was attempting to repair the Ball Turret.
     A B-17 from another group hit the ball turret, cutting it off and killing Leo Baranik.

     He was awarded with an Purple Heart Medal

     In 1943, when Leo died on the age of 22 he left behind his family :

         His father, Dave Baranik, age 70
         His mother, Jennie Baranik, age 60
         His brother, Moe Baranik, age 37
         His brother, Sam Baranik, age 31
         His brother, William Baranik, age 26

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