Fleege, Sgt. John (Died 1944)

FLEEGE

Posted By: Linda Ziemann, Volunteer (email)
Date: 11/14/2009 at 11:55:09

LeMars Semi-Weekly Sentinel
July 25, 1944

FORMER AKRON BOY KILLED IN ACTION FLYING IN HOLLAND

Jos. Fleege of Elk Point, S.D., well known former resident of Akron, received word last week from the War Department that his son, Sergeant John Fleege, was killed in action over Holland and that his body was recovered on April 14.

Sgt. Fleege was a waist gunner on a bomber which had flown over enemy territory in Holland on the 12th of April. The bomber was hit by anti-aircraft guns and he and another gunner, thinking the plane was disabled, baled out. Although damaged the bomber was flown back to its base in England. Members of the crew saw the chutes open and were of the opinion that Sgt. Fleege and his companion landed in Holland unhurt.

Sergeant Fleege was 22 years of age and enlisted in the Air Corps in September 1942. He is survived by his father, Jos. Fleege of Elk Point, S.D., and his sisters, Mrs. Marlin Johnson of Sioux City and Mrs. Wesley Sumerford of Oakland, Calif.