MISSING - Lieut. Richard F. Sporrey, son of Mr and Mrs F.W. Sporrey, 2617 LeClaire street, Davenport, has been missing in action in the European areas since Nov 5, according to his wife, Mrs Sporrey, 14031/2 Fourteenth street, Moline.
A graduate to the Davenport high school class of 1941, Lieut. Sporrey entered the service June 8, 1942. He received his wings and was commissioned a second lieutenant April 12, 1943, and was sent overseas in August.
Lieut. Sporrey married a Moline girl, Miss Regina W. Hansa, in Topeka, Kan., July 19.
In addition to his parents, he has one sister, Janet, at home.
Source: The Quad City Times, November 21, 1943 (photo included)
Air Medal Given Posthumously to Davenport Pilot
The air medal, awarded posthumous to Second Lt. Richard F Sporrey, of Davenport, who was killed in action Nov. 5, 1943 during a mission over Germany will be presented to members of his family at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. F.W. Sporrey, 2617 LeClaire street, at 8 o'clock tonight. Present at the ceremony will be his parents, and his wife, Mrs. Regina Sporrey, who resides in Moline.
The award is for "exceptional meritorious achievement while participating in five separate raids over Europe."
The presentation will be made by Capt. James D. Berger, who is stationed at Augustana college, Rock Island and Capt G.M. Tomlinson, commanding officer of district No. 3 of the Sixth Service command.
Lt. Sporrey, first reported as mission was later reported killed when his plane was shot down. He had previously been awarded the Purple Heart.
Source: The Daily Times (Davenport IA) March 8, 1944 (same photograph included)
Richard Frederick Sporrey was born Oct. 7, 1922 to Fred Walfrid and Marguerite Chase Sporrey. He died Nov. 5, 1943 and is buried in Davenport Memorial Park, Davenport, IA.
Lt. Sporrey served in World War II with the U.S. Army Air Corps 578th Squadron, 392nd Bomb Group and was MIA/KIA in Germany n the service of his country when his aircraft #42-7490 “Big Ass Bird” “U-Bar” was shot down near Uedem, Netherlands. He was awarded the Air Medal and Purple Heart.
Source: ancestry.com
