Edward J. Vanecek

Edward was born 17MAR1919 in Virginia, Minnesota to Bohemian parents. He was the last of six children. By 1940, he had completed one year of college and was performing odd jobs at a retail drug store. Enlisted 05NOV1942 and earned his wing at Luke Field with class 43-H. Tactical reconnaissance training was with the 124th TRS at Key Field, MS in late 1943 or early 1944. He was part of the first group to be assigned to the 118th while it was in India. Edward was killed while piloting a P-40 on 03APR1944 when his plane crashed during takeoff due to mechanical failure.