Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army Air Forces
39th Squadron, 317th Troop Carrier Group
Entered the Service From: Pennsylvania
Date of Death: May 7, 1943
World War II
Buried: Plot A Row 14 Grave 143
Manila American Cemetery
Manila, Philippines

Though 2LT Eugene Bleiler was assigned to 39th/317th, on the day he was killed he was a Student Navigator on a B17F-20-BO 41-24518 "The Reckless Mountain Boys". The ship was on a photo reconnaissance mission when it was attacked by Japanese Zeros. During the attack, the #2 engine was hit, and during subsequent attacks 2LT Bleiler; 2LT Oscar Linsley - Bomb; and SSG Gilber Fleiger -- Gun were killed. The plane crashed landed near Komula Island, offshore on a reef, the dead were buried near by and the remaining crew was eventually captured.

This information was found at  http://www.pacificwrecks.com/aircraft/b-17/41-24518.html

Thank You, Mr. Pete Perrine for providing this information to us.