VanderMaaten, Willard E., 1927-1945

VANDERMAATEN

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 5/31/2013 at 19:17:54

S-Sgt. Willard Vander Maaten Killed In Plane Crash While On China Mission

Mr. and Mrs. Andrew F. Vander Maaten received a telegram from the War department Thursday morning bearing the sad notification that their son, S/Sgt Willard E. Vander Maaten, previously reported missing in action, was killed in action over China May 12th, 1945.

Willard was born on the farm north of Alton August 18, 1926[?], when reported missing he had not reached his 20th birthday. He was inducted Dec. 2, 1943 at Ft. Leavenworth, and assigned to the Air Forces. He had training at Amarillo and Laredo, Texas and was stationed at Lincoln, Nebr. and Tucson, Ariz., Topeka, Kansas and Langley Field, Va. receiving during this time two 7-day furloughs. He flew from March Field, New York Jan. 22, 1945 to the air base in China where he was stationed.

He was acting as top turret gunner and assistant radioman on a B-24 bomber, when the crew left on the mission from which none returned. They were on a single plane sortie, so that no one saw the plane crash. It was rumored that five of the crew were Jap prisoners, but the Army authorities never so stated. The bombardier's wife, Mrs. E. S. Majchriak of Dearborn, had her U.S. senator investigate the circumstances and no confirmation was found that any of the crew were prisoners.

Before Willard was inducted he assisted his father on the farm and worked for a short time at the Foreman-Skelly station. He had previously applied for enlistment in the Marine Corps, but was rejected and entered the army under selective service. He was a fine young fellow and many friends sympathize with the family. Surviving are his parents, now residing southwest of Orange City, two sisters and a brother, namely, Mrs. Norman B. Brink of Alton, Frank of Maurice and Lois at home.

Source: Alton Democrat, January 17, 1946.
The obituary includes a photograph.

(The Sioux County Cemetery Index has Vander Maaten, Williard E., born 17 Aug. 1927, died 12 May 1945, WWII Veteran, West Lawn Cemetery, Orange City.

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Hold Graveside Services For O.C. Veteran

Graveside funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at the Orange City cemetery for Willard Vander Maaten who lost his life while on flying missions over China during the war. He was declared missing on May 12, 1945. After 9 months of anxious waiting the report was officially confirmed and the relatives notified. Survivors are his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Vander Maaten of O.C.; two sisters: Hendrina-Mrs. Norman Brink of Rushmore, Minnesota; Lois-Mrs. Harvey Hofmeyer of Aton, and Frank Vander Maaten of O. C.

Source: Sioux Center News, May 12, 1949.