Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Albert
Lanker
MIA (WWII) KIA
October 3, 1917

–

December 26, 1944

Born:

Petaluma

, 

California

Home:

Petaluma

, 

California

Buried: 

Henri-Chapelle

, 

Belgium

Cemetery:

A.B.M.C. Henri-Chapelle (Wall of the Missing)

During a drop mission of aerial photos in the vicinity of Bastogne, Belgium, Albert Lanker’s aircraft was shot down by friendly anti-aircraft fire before he reached the designated drop zone.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    31st Photographic Squadron

    Regiment:

    10th Reconnaissance Group

    Division:

    9th Air Force

    Action Date:

    December 26, 1944
    Headquarters, 9th Air Force, General Orders No. 44 (March 12, 1945)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Albert Lanker (ASN: 0-753685), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a Photo Reconnaissance Airplane of the 31st Photographic Squadron, 10th Reconnaissance Group, NINTH Air Force, in aerial operations over Bastogne, Belgium, on 26 December 1944. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Lanker, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.