WWII Hero William T. Branstad |
Missing Flyer Declared Dead
P.E. Branstad received official word from the government that his son, S/Sgt. William T. Branstad, was dead.
On April 13, 1944, the family had received word that he had been reported missing in action over Wewak, New Guinea since March 29.
After 12 months Mr. Branstad again heard from the war department saying he was still in the missing in action status. No further word was received until Jan. 29, 1946, when official word pronounced him dead, but with no further particulars except that his plane was last seen by other members of the formation as they entered clouds over the enemy target area on their return trip from their 32nd mission.
S. Sgt. Branstad entered the service Aug. 17, 1942. Arrangements for a memorial service are being made by the family.~Mason City Globe-Gazette, February 8, 1946
~contributed by S. Ferrall~*~*~
William T. Branstad
Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army Air Forces
Service #37424438
498th Bomber Squadron, 345th Bomber Group, Medium
Entered the service from Iowa
Declared dead January 27, 1946
Missing in Action or Buried at Sea
His name appears on the Tablets of the Missing at Manila American Cemetery, Manila, Philippines
Awards: Air Medal & Purple Heart~Manila American Cemetery website
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