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| Marven Fritza served with the 122nd Liaison Squadron that flew OSS missions behind enemy lines. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/94814267/marven-andrew-fritza https://www.roblox.com/games/180391869/68th-Observation-Group-Algeria-April-1943 |
Marven Andrew Fritza never had a chance to reach 100 years old today. Instead, he sacrificed his life for our freedom.
I originally published this on January 21 because his name was on a list of those born that date. However, a reader noticed his gravestone shows June 21, which proved to be the correct date.
Marven was born on June 21, 1919 in Mitchell, South Dakota. His parents Jakob and Annabelle were also both born in South Dakota. His paternal grandparents were German immigrants. His father worked as a farmer and died in 1935. Marven had one younger sister and two younger brothers. By 1940 Marven was still living with his mother and had completed four years of high school. He worked as a plaster helper.
He volunteered for the Army Air Forces on February 11, 1941. He became a sergeant in the 122nd Liaison Squadron, 68th Observation Group. It was sent to the Mediterranean Theater of Operation under the 12th Air Force. The 68th OG provided visual and photographic reconnaissance for the army. The 122nd LS also provided transportation for OSS missions behind enemy lines.
Sgt. Fritza was killed when his plane was shot down over Africa on January 18, 1943.
His grave is at Graceland Cemetery in Mitchell, South Dakota.
Last year on June 21 I profiled Donald Chamberlain, 4th Infantry Division, who fought in the Battle of the Bulge. You can read about Donald here.
On behalf of the fallen, if you would like to see more people become aware of this project to honor the WW2 fallen, be sure to share with others on Twitter, Facebook, etc. Thanks for your interest!
I created this video to explain why I started this project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXt8QA481lY.
Please consider joining the public Facebook group to increase the exposure of this project. Go to: WW2 Fallen 100
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