WWII Missions

Mission MACRs

Crew Photos

Photo Albums

Awards and Decorations

Nose Art

Special Events

Servicemen

8th Air Force

12th Air Force

15th Air Force

Post WWII

Books & Movies

GI Language

WWII Links

B-17 Flying Fortress

Making Connections

301bg.com's Mission

301st Association

Charles Kurella

2nd Lt. Charles J Kurella was assigned to the 301st BG 32nd Squadron.

The following information on Charles Kurella 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. Kurella. These serviceman's records are nowhere near complete and we are always looking for more material. If you can help add to Charles Kurella's military record please contact us.

	Rank	General Order	Date	Notes	Award	Ribbon & Device
Charles Kurella	2nd Lt	124	03/12/1944	Read Citation Below	SS
Charles Kurella	2nd Lt.	298	04/27/1944		AM
Charles Kurella	1st Lt	451	05/14/1944		AM/5OLC
Charles Kurella	1st Lt	452	05/14/1944		AM/6OLC
Charles Kurella	1st Lt	1165	06/19/1944		AM/7OLC

Citation: General Order: 124, 03/12/1944

Under the provisions of AB 600-45, as amended, and pursuant to auth¬ority contained in cable No. 9782, Headquarters NATOUSA, 5 December 1943, the Silver Star is awarded the following named personnel, United States Army, residence as indicated, with the following citation:

For gallantry in action on 25 February 1944, while on a highly stra¬tegic bombing mission against the important enemy aircraft factory at Regensburg, Germany. Over an hour and a half before the target, this gallant crew of a B-17 type aircraft was attacked by thirty (30) to forty (40) enemy fighters, the first of over two-hundred (200) fighters which attacked their formation. An hour before the target, their plane was riddled by enemy cannon fire which shot out one (1) engine, severely damaged oxygen and communications systems, control mechanisms, and shattered the ball turret, miraculously without injury to the gunner who immediately took over a waist gun. By exertion of extraordinary flying skill, the pilots retained control and kept the plane toward the target despite intensified attacks by enemy fighters, during with another engine and the tail turret was damaged, a fire started in the ammunition which was extinguished by the tail gunner who manned his remaining gun until later severely wounded. After the plane had been brought through an intense accurate anti-aircraft fire over the target and the bombs successfully dropped, the concentrated and persistent fighter attacks began again and in a running gun battle lasting over an hour after the target, the waist gunner was killed, tail turret gunner and radio operator-gunner badly wounded and the plane further critically damaged by gunfire and aerial bombs. In spite of being wounded, without oxygen, and constantly opposed during this high altitude mission for over four (4) hours, the crew accounted for thirteen (13) enemy fighters destroyed, and many others probably destroyed, no gunner destroying less than two (2) planes and one (1) gunner destroying six (6). The stricken bomber was nursed with the highest proficiency and courage safely over the front lines and a crash landing made without further injury to the heroic crew. By their outstanding gallantry, unselfish heroism, devotion to duty and extraordinary courage, each and every man of this brave crew has reflected great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of The United States of America.

25-Feb-44

Charles was listed on a roster of personnel assigned to the 301st Bombardment Group on this date, 25 Feb. 1944, when they were awarded a Presidential Unit Citation (PUC).

Please contact us if you can assist with any biographical data, pictures or other information regarding the service and life of Charles Kurella.