GEORGE RHEA LAND, JR.
The Citadel Class of: |
1939 |
 |
Cadet Company: |
F (4), F (3), G (2), K (1)
(Source: Sphinx 1939) |
Age: |
26 |
Born: |
23-Jul-17 in Virginia |
Hometown: |
Washington, D.C. |
Family: |
George R. Land (father), Louise
E. Grady Land (mother) |
Rank: |
Second Lieutenant |
Branch of Service: |
U.S. Army Air Forces |
Servicenumber: |
O-387374 |
Entered the Service from: |
Washington, D.C. |
Function: |
Pilot |
Squadron: |
84th Bomber Squadron |
Group: |
47th Bomber Group |
Plane data:
(Serialnumber,
MACR, etc.) |
A-20 |
Date of death: |
2-Apr-43 |
Status: |
KIA |
Place of death: |
La Fauconnerie, Tunisia |
Spot: |
Not Available |
Awards: |
Distinguished Service Cross, Purple
Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster |
Gravenumber: |
Plot A Row 9 Grave 4 |
Cemetery: |
North Africa American Cemetery |
Biography: |
Attended Washington High School, Washington, Virginia |
Other information: |
George Rhea Land. Jr. Coast Artillery — Business Administration,
Greenville, South Carolina
George has suffered many losses and reverses during his career at
The Citadel, but he has “carried on” in a manner which is a great
credit to him. He is the type of cadet who forms the backbone of this
institution. The fact that he has not been outstanding is no sign that
he couldn’t be if his desires led him in that direction. George has
proved to be a friend to many cadets. He has a steadfast loyalty to
everything in which he believes. During his underclass years here
George showed himself as a night-owl and a dark-horseman of no ill
repute. In his last year, though he took many week-end leaves, his
reasons had changed from the lighter to the more serious. Though we
are certain that he will not have much trouble in carving his niche, we
wish him luck and much happiness.
“GEORGE” Ret., Co. F (4): Pvt., Co. F (3); Pvt., Co. G (2); Pvt., Co. K (1).
– Source: 1939 Sphinx
Distinguished Service Cross
Awarded posthumously for actions during the World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Second Lieutenant (Air Corps) George
Rhea Land (ASN: 0-387374), United States Army Air Forces, was
awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) for
extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against
an armed enemy while serving as Navigator of an A-20 Bomber in the
84th Bombardment Squadron, 47th Bombardment Group (L),
TWELFTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 30
March 1943, against enemy targets in the North African Theater of
Operations. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty
displayed by Second Lieutenant Land on this occasion have upheld
the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit
upon himself, the 12th Air Force, and the United States Army Air
Forces.
General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Army-North African Theater of
Operations, General Orders No. 60 (1943) Action Date: 30-Mar-43
– Source: MilitaryTimes.com |
Sources: American Battle Monuments Commission, The Citadel Archive & Museum, Mike Stannard ’65, Bob Mebane ’80, Sphinx 1939, Ancestry.com, 1920/30/30 US Census (NARA), Find a Grave.com, Virginia’s World War II Military Deaths
We ask for your help.
It is our objective to have complete and accurate records for each of our Citadel Men.
If you have information to contribute or correct this or any other record, please contact us or see support.
* Previous * * Back to List * * Next *
Like this:
Like Loading...
Leave a Comment