Peter Kleist
 Peter was shot down on Moonlight Cocktail ditching in the Mediterranean Sea. He was an original crew member. Both the pilot and co-pilot were shot and instantly killed in flight by enemy aircraft. Sgt John W, Terrell (top turret gunner) suffered a back injury and shrapnel to the forehead.
Incomplete list of Metals / Ribbons
Air Medal W/ Oak Leaf Cluster
Good Conduct Metal
European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, Four Bronze Stars
American Defense Medal
Air force in Europe Medal
Served:
15th Army Air force
301st Bombardment Group
352nd Bomb Squadron
Served 8th AF in England
Redeployed in North Africa with the 12th AF
Served in Italy with the newly formed 15th AF
B-17's: B-17 Moonlight Cocktail
Tail # N/A
Model N/A
B-17 Bachelors’ DELIGHT
Tail # 42-30497
Information and photos, Mike Conley, Nephew.
 Original Crew Moonlight Cocktail 301st - 1943
From top left to right, middle left to right, and bottom left to right.
Dave ? Navigator (shot down) Lt. Formosa Co Pilot
Lt. Maurice Daum Pilot Lt. Peter L, Kliest Bombardier (Shot down) Sgt. George Momcilovich Tail Gunner(Bailed out over Yugoslavia) T/Sgt. John W. Terrell Top Turret Gunner and Engineer Sgt. Stephen Sweeney Radio Operator (Cover of Yank Magazine) T/Sgt. Mitchell Siporin Lower Turret Gunner (Italian Artist) Sgt. Boyd Waist Gunner (never made it o/s) Sgt. Guzak Waist Gunner (never made it o/s)
 Peter is seen in this picture petting Adolph the mascot. Sgt Sweeney (gunner) and Adolph where featured on the cover of YANK magazine July 7, 1944. Adolph returned to the states with Sweeney. Another crewman, John W. Terrell is standing 3rd from the right. Bachelors" DELIGHT may lay claim to the most missions completed at 123.
2nd Lt Peter L Kleist was assigned to the 301st BG 352nd Squadron.
Military Occupational Specialty (MOS): Bombardier.
The following information on Peter Kleist 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 Kleist. These serviceman's records are nowhere near complete and we are always looking for more material. If you can help add to Peter Kleist's military record please contact us.
| |
Rank |
General Order |
Date |
Notes |
Award |
Ribbon & Device |
Peter Kleist |
2nd Lt |
123 |
03/11/1944 |
|
AM |
|
Peter Kleist |
2nd Lt |
123 |
03/11/1944 |
|
AM/OLC |
|
Peter Kleist |
2nd Lt |
446 |
05/14/1944 |
|
AM/2OLC |
|
Peter Kleist |
2nd Lt |
447 |
05/14/1944 |
|
AM/3OLC |
|
Peter Kleist |
2nd Lt |
732 |
05/30/1944 |
|
AM/4OLC |
|
Peter Kleist |
2nd Lt |
1161 |
06/19/1944 |
|
AM/5OLC |
|
Peter Kleist |
1st Lt |
1617 |
07/06/1944 |
|
AM/6OLC |
|
Personal Album of Peter Kleist
2/25/1944 PUC 3/11/1944 15th AAF General Order #123 Air Medal 3/11/1944 15th AAF General Order #123 AM/OLC 5/14/1944 15th AAF General Order #446 AM/2OLC 5/14/1944 15th AAF General Order #447 AM/3OLC 5/30/1944 15th AAF General Order #732 AM/4OLC 6/19/44 15th AAF General Order #1161 AM/5OLC
Please contact us if you can assist with any biographical data, pictures or other information regarding the service and life of Peter Kleist.
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