David Francis was the son of Carson Lafayette Francis and Malinda Belle “Linnie” Sherman. Siblings: Lille L. Francis, Carson E. Francis, John Francis and Marvin R. Francis
He enlisted on January 10, 1941, in Fort Oglethrope, GA
Buried in Knoxville National Cemetery on April 20, 1950
Member of the 7th Bomber Squad, 34th Bomber Group
Aircraft B-17G with serial number 43-38419 departed from Southwold on a strategic mission to Brandenburg, Germany. The aircraft was hit by third burst of flak in the right wing which tore away practically all of the wing. Aircraft then rolled over to the right, described as being almost a slow roll, and during this maneuver the outer pannel of the wing tore away. All four engines were running as A/C went into a spin, going straight down. Some crews report this A/C was exploding at approximately 15,000 feet. No chutes were observed.
The aircraft crashed at Eggstedt, Germany.
Crew members
Pilot, 2nd Lt Jacob T. Raver
Co-Pilot, 2nd Lt Deane W. Kiefer
Bombardier, 1st Lt Joseph L. Zumpano
Radio Operator, T/Sgt William O. Huhta
Engineer/Gunner, T/Sgt John L. Singer
Ball Gunner, S/Sgt Ervin W. Hanken
Nose Gunner, S/St Clayton Ervin
Tail Gunner, Sgt Edwin C. Bailey
Waist Gunner, S/Sgt David Francis
Standing Left to Right: Alan E. Finch, Howard W. Murray, Victor T. Herman, Joseph L. Zumpano
Kneeling left to right unidentified, unidentified, unidentified, unidentified, unidentified, David A. Coughlin
Enlisted Men (in photo, but not identified) : John R. Wack, Raymond L. Hurst, Elbert D. Hoke, David Francis (kneeling second left?), Thomas Stroup
Zumpano and Francis were KIA. The rest of the crew completed a 35 mission tour
- Rank: Staff Sergeant
- Date of birth: 15 August 1915
- Date of death: 14 January 1945
- County: Knox
- Hometown: Knoxville
- Service Branch: Army/Army Air Forces
- Division/Assignment: 7th Bomber Squadron, 34th Bomber Group
- Theater: Europe
- Conflict: World War II
- Awards: Purple Heart
- Burial/Memorial Location: Knoxville National Cemetery, Knoxville, TN
- Location In Memorial: Pillar XIV, Middle Panel
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