Second Lieutenant
306th Bomber Group, 423rd Bomber Squadron, 8th Air Force

Aircraft B-17G with serial number 42-97180 departed from Thurleigh, England on a heavy bomb mission to Rutland, Germany. The high Group in which Lt Freeman was flying was attacked by 7 FW-190 from 7 to 8 o’clock high, six abreast and four deep, about 10 minutes before the target was reached. They salvoed their bombs and the aircraft dropped back on fire. 2nd Lt was initially buried at the community cemetery Britz in Germany on 12 September 1944.

Crew
Pilot, 2nd Lt Marvin W. Freeman
Co-Pilot, F/O Curtis M. Barber
Navigator, 2nd Lt Charles E. Stansbery
Nose Gunner/Bombardier, F/O Francis B. Smith
Top Turret Gunner, S/Sgt Merlin D. Summers
Radio Operator, S/Sgt Kenneth W. Levens
Ball Turret Gunner, Sgt John G. Holmes
Waist Gunner, S/Sgt James E. Hughes
Tail Gunner, Sgt Robert L. Appell

Charles Edward “Chas” Stansbery was born on 3 October 1921 in Johnson City, Washington County Tennessee. He attended school here and graduated Science Hill High School, Class of 1941. Charles was Class President his Sophomore year and a member of the following: Biology, Chemistry and Dramatic Clubs; National Forensic League; Rifle Team; a Reserve Officer Training Corps Cadet for three years in which he was a Corporal his second and a Sergeant his third.

Afterwards, he attended East Tennessee State College also in Johnson City and was in his Sophomore year when he enlisted in the United States Army Air Forces at Knoxville, Knox County, Tennessee on 24 August 1942 with service number 14132324. Charles was sent to Fort Myers, Florida for basics and training as an Aerial Gunner.

Charles is the son of Burton Francis Stansbery, Senior and Myrtle Ray White.
Submitted by Allen D. Jackson, USAF (Ret)

  • Rank: Second Lieutenant
  • Date of birth:
    • 3 October 1921
  • Date of death: 12 September 1944
  • County: Washington
  • Hometown: Johnson City
  • Service Branch: Army/Army Air Forces
  • Division/Assignment: 306th Bomber Group, 423rd Bomber Squadron
  • Theater: Europe
  • Conflict: World War II
  • Awards: Purple Heart
  • Burial/Memorial Location: Happy Valley Memorial Park, Elizabethton, TN
  • Location In Memorial: Pillar XIX, Middle Panel
  • Contact us to sponsor Charles E. Stansbery

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