Bernard Bernheim
2nd Lt Bernard Bernheim, a co-pliot in the 759 Bomb Squadron, was flying his eigth mission, 459 Bomb Group Mission Mission # 56 to bomb Munich, GR A/D on 6-9-44 when the Group was hit by German fighters over the Alps and his plane was set on fire. The crew parachuted from the burning ship and he tried a free fall before opening his chute to avoid enemy fighters. Even then he stated later that one fighter came after his floating chute but luckily was attack be a US escort fighter. He watched the dogfight and witnessed the German plane blow up close to him. When he landed he was captured and was a POW in Stalag-luft 3. He was finally liberated by General Patton`s Seventh U S Army in April,1945. Lt Bernheim`s plane was # 42-78219 piloted by Lt Benjamin E Paschal,Jr from Charlotte, NC. Lt Bernheim`s grandson Adam Bryant Duke reports that all of lt Bernheim`s crew safely parachuted from the burning ship but were all POWs. However, the MACR report, dated 6-11-44, shown as one of the illustrations in another part of this report lists all the crew members of Lt Bernheim`s crew and reveals that S/Sgt John J Beckman was KIA on this mission, having perished June 9,1944 and is Memorialized at Via Cassic, Florence American Cementary, Italy. Awards: Air Medal, Purple Heart The folowing is some information on this crew: T/Sgt Larkin C Jones- Gunner received wings as Bombardier at Big Springs,TX, shot down on first mission 6-9-44, POW. He met his brother, Frank M Jones at POW camp and they stayed together until liberated by Seventh Army 5-29-45. T/Sgt Grafton F Mangum,Jr- Flight Engineer on this crew, POW S/Sgt Frank Crippen,Jr Tail Turret Gunner From Winnfield,LA. S/Sgt John J Beckman from Omaha, Nebraska was KIA on this mission and is Memorialized at the Florence American Cemetary,Via Cassia,Italy
2nd Lt Bernard M Bernheim was assigned to the 459th BG 759th Squadron.
The following information on Bernard Bernheim is gathered and extracted from military records. We have many documents and copies of documents, including military award documents. It is from these documents that we have found this information on 2nd Lt Bernheim. These serviceman's records are nowhere near complete and we are always looking for more material. If you can help add to Bernard Bernheim's military record please contact us.
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Rank |
General Order |
Date |
Notes |
Award |
Ribbon & Device |
Bernard Bernheim |
2nd Lt |
1440 |
06/28/1944 |
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AM |
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