Memorial
Personal info
- Full name
WILSON, Daniel Sheridan - Date of birth
21 May 1923 - Age
21 - Place of birth
Stuart, Guthrie County, Iowa - Hometown
Dexter and Minburn, Dallas County, Iowa
Military service
- Service number
O-770058 - Rank
Second Lieutenant - Function
Pilot
- Unit
37th Fighter Squadron,
14th Fighter Group
- Awards
Purple Heart,
Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster
Death
- Status
Killed in Action - Date of death
19 February 1945 - Place of death
Schwanberg, Austria
Grave
- Cemetery
American War Cemetery Lorraine
| Plot | Row | Grave |
|---|---|---|
| D | 5 | 7 |
Immediate family
- Members
Claiborne D. Wilson (father)
Leora F. (Goff) Wilson (mother)
Delbert G. Wilson (brother)
Donald W. Wilson (brother)
Dale R. Wilson (brother)
Claiborne J. Wilson (brother)
Jean Wilson (sister)
Jack Wilson (brother)
Marilyn L. Wilson (sister)
Doris L. Wilson (sister)
Darlene E. Wilson (sister)
Plane data
- Serial number
44-24123 - Data
Type: P-38L
Destination: Vienna and Bruck, Austria
Mission: Bomber Escort and skip bombing
MACR: 12458
More information
Lt Wilson graduated from Washington Township School in 1941. He farmed with his father and brothers.
He joined the Air Corps of the U.S. Army Reserve in Des Moines, Iowa on 28 October 1942.
Statement of 1st Lt Richard Tomlinson:
“We were on a B-24 escort to Vienna. Just before we reached the target, the bombers called that they would bomb the number 1 alternative target, which was Bruck, Austria. As we were also to skip bomb a train, the 48th Squadron Leader, who was also leading the Group, gave us permission to leave the group formation.
“With red, blue, and green flights circling for top cover, white flight spiralled down in a generally southern direction. At approximately 1225, white leader sighted a train just north of us. As he turned to a heading of 360°, his wingman dropped back on my wing, and Lt Wilson dropped back to a #3 position. We passed over the train heading south and made a 180° turn. At this time white leader dropped to the deck and skipped bombed the train. I stayed at about 1,000 feet with white #2 and swung out to the right, passing just west of the train. About 45 seconds after white leader dropped his bombs, Lt Wilson dropped back to take pictures of the damage. I joined up with white leader and called white flight to check in. Lt Wilson failed to answer. Red and blue leader returned to the train but found no trace of the plane.”
Lt Wilson was initially buried at the cemetery of Schwanberg, Austria.
Lt Daniel Wilson is, together with his brother Dale, remembered at the Violet Hill Cemetery in Perry, Dallas County, Iowa.
Five brothers served during the war. Tragically, three brothers died. F/O Claiborne, 20 years old and the youngest son, was killed in a plane accident at Aloe Field, Texas, on 9 August 1944. Lt Dale, also USAAF, 24 years old, was killed in action on a mission to Wewak, New Guinea, on 27 November 1943.
Brothers Delbert, 30 years old, and Donald, 20 years old, served in the Navy and returned home.
One picture shows his grave at Lorraine Cemetery with his sisters Doris and Darlene during their visit in October 1997.
The five brothers are remembered on the Dallas County Freedom Rock at Minburn, near where they farmed with their father during the war.
Source of information: Raf Dyckmans, Joy Neal Kidney, Peter Schouteten, www.wwiimemorial.com, www.abmc.gov, www.archives.gov – WWII Enlistment Record, www.fold3.com – MACR, www.ancestry.com – Headstone and Interment Record / Burklund Berhman Family Tree, www.fold3.com, www.findagrave.com – Z Bonnie
Photo source: www.findagrave.com – ZBonnie, Joy Neal Kidney, www.wwiimemorial.com – Doris L. Neal, www.ancestry.com – Barbara Ek / Jgazdziak, Arie-Jan van Hees – Pilot 44-C, Williams Field, Arizona
https://memorial.fieldsofhonor.com/case/38411-wilson-daniel-sheridan
Remembering 10, 763 soldiers buried in and memorialized at Lorraine American Cemetery. Thanks to the Fields of Honor Foundation for making sure each man, including Daniel Sheridan Wilson, is never forgotten.
Such a fine looking young man. This makes me so sad. When will we ever learn?
Amen, Darlene. I’m so thankful that all three brothers are being remembered even this many years later.
Remembering The Greatest Generation. RIP
They certainly were, weren’t they, Linda? Thank you.
Sharing on my military FB. It’s hard to find but I love this post.
Thank you, Jacqui! You might add a link to your military FB so we can all find it!
He was such a handsome man, and so young! It is wonderful that you share these posts! I think we have a few people smiling down from heaven!
Linda, I sure hope so! They were young uncles I never got the chance to meet.
Thank you for seeing to it that your uncles who died for us in war are never forgotten.
Oh, Liz, I’m so grateful to be able to do it. And to have information picked up and shared by these other groups.
Thank you for sharing Daniel’s story, Joy. My Uncle flew a P38 over Europe as well. He did return home.
Do you have any idea where he was based? I’m guessing he was also with the 15th AF. Dan’s best friend also returned home–they went to Italy together on a Liberty Ship. Harry and his wife stopped by to meet Mom and me, and share photos and stories. He said he never got a scratch on his P-38, but lost his best friend.
Joy…the tears come quickly. It’s so important to remember and honor those who served and sacrificed. Thank you, my friend. ❤️
Bless you, Vicki. I remember crying while typing some of their letters, and for trying to write some of Mom’s stories. I was recently reminded that my freshman year of college was paid for by money Grandma had saved from their the life insurance policies the brothers bought in the service. lump in throat
Oh, Joy. I can’t imagine the rush of emotion you must’ve felt when you learned about the life insurance and how your sweet Grandma used it. If I haven’t said it often enough, let me say it again: The stories you share about your family – the heroism and acts of kindness – truly enrich my life. And I know I’m not alone. Much love! 💝💝💝
Lots o’ hugs, Vicki!
Got ‘em! ❤️
It’s wonderful to learn how your uncle Daniel is honored for his life-taking service in World War II, Joy.
Thank you, Tim. I am blessed by it and by your comment.
😍
So very touching that your first year of college came from your brave family members’ service. What a beautiful young man. Sending up prayers.
Thank you, Lori. I didn’t figure that out until I ran across the deposition. And I get to make sure they are remembered! Just amazing.
I’m grateful for the sacrifices made by the Wilson brothers and all our WWII veterans. Their bravery and dedication to our country should be handed down from one generation to the next. You’re doing a wonderful job honoring their memories. Joy. 🙂
Bless you, Nancy. When I discovered that so few people were aware of their story, I learned to write to make sure they weren’t forgotten.
Yes, you did-four books in your Leora series making sure history remembers!!! 😁👍
Lump in throat
This post brings tears, Joy, but we have to remember and honor those who served. Thank you for sharing. ❤️
Thank you, Lauren. I’m so thankful they’re not forgotten.