December 19, 1922 (Montville, NJ) – November 2, 1944; 21 years old
Engaged to Jean Hodgeman (1923-2005) of Norwalk
Last local address: 2 Gregory Boulevard, East Norwalk
Service number: O-818112
Unit: 91st Bomber Group, 401st Bomber Squadron
Born to Edward H. (1899-) and Bertha Rost Chouinard (1898-1970). Bertha remarried to Howard Keppler in June 1946 in Norwalk. Brothers John E. (1921-2003) and Richard E. (1930-2011). One sister, Anne E. Chouinard Finch (1924-2015).
He was awarded the Air Medal (2 times) and the Purple Heart Medal.
Norwalk High School Class of ‘39
Herbert served as a First Lieutenant & Pilot on B-17G “The Jub Jub Bird” #42-31883, 401st Bomber Squadron, 91st Bomber Group, U.S. Army Air Force during World War II. B-17G #42-31883 took off, with a crew of 9, from Station 121, England on a bombing mission over Merseburg, Germany. Shortly after a successful bombing run, they were hit by ground anti-aircraft fire under the pilot’s position and crashed and exploded near Leipzig, Germany.
Photos provided by family member Don Finch of Norwalk.
Airmen who perished on B-17G #42-31883:
Bowers, Herschel W. ~ T/Sgt, Radio Operator, PA
Chouinard, Herbert W. ~ 1st Lt, Pilot, CT
DeBonis, Daniel ~ 1st Lt, Navigator, NY
Foltz, James A. ~ Sgt, Ball Turret Gunner, OH
Hundley, James F. ~ 2nd Lt, Bombardier, SC
Salter, Luther E. ~ Sgt, Engineer, VA
Tallant, Carrol B. ~ S/Sgt, Tail Gunner, AR
Those who survived the crash and became POWs:
Kramer, Arnold E. ~ S/Sgt, Waist Gunner, IN
Nickola, Ray L. ~ 2nd Lt, Co-Pilot, PA
Lt Chouinard is buried in Lorraine American Cemetery, Avenue de, Rue de Fayetteville, 57500 Saint-Avold, France; Block E, Row 12, Grave 35. Photo provided via e-mail on 10/10/2019 by Joe A., Assistant Cemetery Superintendent, Lorraine American Cemetery, Avenue de Fayetteville 57500, Saint-Avold, France
A note with the e-mailed picture, said: ““Attached you will find a photo of 1Lt. Chouinard’s headstone. We placed an American and French flag alongside the headstone and put sand from the beaches of Normandy into the engraved letters.”
END
Honor Norwalk CT veterans 