Gabor, Edward J.

Date of birth:: March 28th, 1918 (Lake Wood/Ohio, United States)
Date of death:: May 1st, 1945 (Italy)
Service number:: 0-427715, Army Air Corps
Nationality:: American

Biography

Edward J Gabor was born March 28th, 1918 in Lake Wood, son of Albert and Anna Gabor. He voluntarily enrolled in the Army Air Corps. After completing his traning, he served in England, North-Africa and in Italy. During his career, he flew the Bell P-39 Airacobra, the Supermarine Spitfire Mk V and the Republic P-47D Thunderbolt. In 199 operational missions over the Meditterranean, he was credited with 0.5 victories over enemy aircraft. May 1st, 1945, while on a ground attack mission, he was shot down in his Republic P-47-27RE “Rapid Ravin” , SN 42-26833. This made him the last Allied Pilot who was shot down in battle over Italy. Days later, his remains were recovered by resistance fighters and handed over to colleagues of his squadron. May 12th, they reachd Osoppo. May 15th, 1945, his remains were buried in the US Military Cemetery Vada near Savona. At the request of his family, his remains were later exhumed and transferred to the United States and reburied on November 24th, 1947, in the Sunset Memorial Cemetery in North Olmsted, Ohio.

Promotions:
September 27th, 1941: 2nd Lieutenant;
?: 1st Lieutenant;
?: Captain;
?: Major.

Career:
?: 52nd Fighter Group;
October 1st, 1942: 346th Fighter Squadron, 350th Fighter Group, Coltishall, Engeland, later North-Africa;
March 1943: 345th Fighter Squadron, North-Africa, Italy;
December 27th, 1943, - May 1st, 1945: Squadron Commander 345th Fighter Squadron.

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