Lt. James Kirchhoff (1923-1944)

KIRCHHOFF

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 2/4/2015 at 18:36:07

Jackson Sentinel, June 17, 1949

JAMES KIRCHHOFF BURIAL SERVICE HELD WEDNESDAY

Reburial service was held in Maquoketa Wednesday afternoon for Flight Officer James Kirchhoff, who died in Czechoslavakia on December 27, 1944. The Rev. M. M. Powers, chaplin of Timber City American Legion Post, officiated and the combined ceremonial squad of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars accorded military honors. Interment was in Mt. Hope cemetery.

Lt. Kirchhoff, son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Kirchhoff, was 20 years old at the time of his death. He received his wings in the spring of 1944 and went overseas in autumn. He was reported missing in action over Czechoslovakia November 20, 1944, after he had baled out of his crippled bomber. After his parachute jump, the young officer was rescued by members of the Czechoslovakian partisan party, who kept him in hiding. However, members of the Gestapo found and executed him along with two young civilians who were protecting.

His parents were notified in December 1944 that he had died, but it wasn't until October 1945 when they learned he had been executed by a Nazi execution squad.

Because his parents gave a large sum of money in his honor that Maquoketa's swimming pool might become a reality. The pool will be named the James Kirchhoff Memorial pool. Surviving besides his parents are two brothers, Robert and William J. and a sister, Lois Ann, all of Maquoketa.

Note: photo shown below was received from an individual in Slovakia on 12 June 2016. Added to post by temporary coordinator Rich Lowe on same date.

James Kirchhoff grave
 

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