John Joseph Kettmann (1918-1944)

KETTMANN

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 1/30/2010 at 11:08:17

Bellevue Herald, January 18, 1944

John Joseph Kettmann, 25, chief pilot in the naval air force, a son of Mr. and Mrs. John Kettmann of north of Bellevue, was killed in a plane crash while on patrol duty in foreign waters recently, presumably in England or in that theatre.

Chief Pilot Kettmann was born July 30, 1918, in this community, received his education at St. Joseph’s School and enlisted in the navy and departed for Des Moines, August 14, 1936. From there he went to San Diego, California, for his training and then was sent to Hawaii where he was stationed two and a half years. He also had service on the Samoa Islands. He took up aviation at Pensacola and received his wings August 28, 1942. December 1st last the young airman was promoted to chief aviation pilot, news of the promotion being received by his parents only a day or two prior to the message telling of his death.

Survivors in addition to the parents are three brothers, Milo N. of Dubuque, Corp. Mark B. Kettmann, who is stationed at the Suffolk County army air field, West Hampton Beach, New York, and Milton N. at home.

Memorial services were held at St. Joseph’s Church Monday morning at 10 o’clock, Rev. J. E. Linkenmeyer said the mass and delivered an eloquent sermon.