André C. Mongeau
Radio S/Sgt André C. Mongeau
On December 23, 1944, S/Sgt. Andre Mongeau, from Kankakee, Illinois, a US Air Force radio operator, was on a supply drop mission over Bastogne. On the return route, the C-47 formation heads north toward Marcouray to drop supplies there as well.
Unfortunately, due to the presence of a German general at La Roche en Ardenne, it was very well defended by a heavy anti-aircraft battery. André's C-47 was hit and he was forced to jump from his burning plane at an incredible altitude of 350 feet and landed in an evergreen tree.
Hearing muffled voices and assuming the Nazis must be heading toward American lines, he headed toward them. He was soon stopped by two Yankees who first took him for a German, then he was taken to the headquarters of Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Hogan whose task force was completely surrounded by the enemy.
Mongeau worked with his new comrades, fought with them and repaired their radio communication equipment. He participated in the escape, safe and sound.
