Operation: Combat Mission
Date: November 8th 1944
Unit: No. 435 Fighter Squadron, 479th Fighter Group
Type: P51D Mustang
Serial: 44-14294
Code: J2-
Base: USAAF Base Wattisham
Location: Eight miles West of Minden, Germany
Pilot: 1st Lt. Heinz W. Detlefsen O-757961 USAAF Age 24. KIlled
REASON FOR LOSS:
Lt. Detlefsen was killed in action on 8 November 1944 when he was involved in a mid-air collision with Lt. Thomas V Smith in 44-14598 J2-#. Lt. Smith survived the impact to become a PoW.
1Lt. Heinz W DetlefsenAmerican War Cemetery Margraten Plot H, Row 6, Grave 11. Next of kin details not available as yet.
Researched by Michel Beckers with thanks to Des Philippet for grave photograph, photo of the pilot Heinz Detlefsen to David Kusel.
Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy forget in time that men have died to win them. Franklin Delano Roosevelt
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