DOB/DOD: August 28, 1921 (Bridgeport, CT) – September 12, 1944; 23 years old
MARITAL STATUS: Unmarried
LOCAL ADDRESS: 61 Stuart Avenue, Norwalk
ENLISTMENT: October 3, 1942
SERVICE NUMBER: 31192987
UNIT: 345th Bomber Squadron, 98th Bomber Group
FAMILY: Born to Saverio “Samuel” (1889-1988) and Antoinetta “Antonia” Lamolino Curci (1891-1963). Sisters Mary Curci Lamolino (1913-2011), Laura (1920-1987), and Anna (1923-2011). Brothers, Joseph (1925-1987), Thomas (1928-1996), Samuel Jr. (1931-) and Frank (1933-). Third oldest of 8 children. All 5 sons served in the military.
DECORATIONS: Awarded the Purple Heart Medal.
CIRCUMSTANCES: B-24J #44-40324 took off, with a crew of 10, from Lecce, Italy, on a bombing mission over an engine factory near Munich, Germany. While approaching the target, B-24J #44-40324 was out of position, and while trying to get into position, their wing struck the fuselage of B-24H #42-50417. Both B-24s crashed after the collision near Landshut, Germany.

Crew of #44-40324 (all KIA)
1st Lt Robert T. Adams, Dublin GA
Co-Pilot John A. Snyder, Irwin PA
Navigator 2d Lt Albert C. LeQuelleo Jr., Stockton CA
Bombardier 2d Lt Melvin L. Cohen, Roxbury MA
Engineer-Gunner TEC Sgt Eugene F. Sliker, Ashley PA
Radio-Gunner TEC Sgt Robert A. Amond, Berlin CT
Left Waist Gunner SSG Frederick J. Masset, New Orleans LA
Right Waist Gunner SSG Charles A. Ragsdale, San Antonio TX
Tail Gunner SSG Nicholas J. Curci, Norwalk CT
Top Turret Gunner SSGT Henry Schreier, St. Paul MN
B-24J picture from fantasyofflight.com

Originally interred in France, he was repatriated and interred on July 7, 1950 in Knoxville National Cemetery, 939 Tyson Street, Knoxville, Tennessee; Plot X, 31, Memorial ID 2967794. Photo provided by Sandra Jenkins, an employee at Mountain Home National Cemetery, Tennessee.

END

Thank you so much for all your time and effort in gathering all the information and putting together the presentation. Even though we were not able to attend we are able to view it on YouTube thanks to you! Our family is very grateful to get more information we did not have about that fateful day in 1944. Nicholas is not forgotten, nor all the men on the war of honor. Thanks for all you do!
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