Cunningham, Reed, Margolies and Scranton were Killed In Action when their B-24L Liberator bomber suffered engine problems and was forced to ditch in India's Sundarbans, a mangrove swampland bordering the Bay of Bengal. Both Cunningham's and Scranton's parachutes failed to open in time. Both men and Margolies, along with the bomber, remain missing in what now is Bangladesh. The body of Reed was recovered. Cunningham was 22. He is officially honored on Tablets of the Missing, Manila American Cemetery, Philippines.
SSgt. Cunningham's Find-A-Grave.com Memorial
Staff Sgt. John E. Cunningham, ASN 14147628
Aerial Gunner - Kimbrough & Margolies Crew
10th Air Force / 7th Bombardment Group / 9th Bombardment Squadron
Distinguished Flying Cross Air Medal w/Oak Leaf Cluster
Distinguished Unit Citation Purple Heart
Killed In Action 24 Mar 45
(Images provided by Walt Webb)
Margolies Crew
Standing, L-R: 1st Lt. James Meredith (B), SSgt. Edward Reed (G), TSgt. James Nelson (RO)
Cunningham, SSgt. Kenneth Herald (G), SSgt. Leo Moriarty (G)
Cpl. John L. Sulgrove (Crew Chief)
Kneeling, L-R: 1Lt. Arthur Chaffee (CP), 1st Lt. Nathan Margolies (P)
TSgt. Stanley Sadloski (E), 1Lt. Edwin Scranton (N)
9th BS Personnel
7th BG PersonnelK
HOME