Remembering Our Heroes: The Brave Journey of U.S. Army Air Corps Lieutenant Erskin Leon Hulsey


Written By Ken Hulsey

On this Memorial Day, I want to take a moment to honor my uncle, U.S. Army Air Corps Lieutenant Erskin Leon Hulsey. He was shot down during a bomber mission over Germany, and his remains were never recovered.

According to a letter from the Adjutant General of the United States Army, Leon (as he was known to family) was piloting a B-26 Marauder medium bomber on a raid targeting a German factory complex on December 6, 1944. At approximately 3:30 PM, the plane was hit by anti-aircraft fire and crashed near the German town of Düren.


A year-long investigation by the Army failed to recover his remains, living or otherwise, and he was officially pronounced deceased in the fall of 1945. 

Leon Hulsey trained with the Civil Aeronautics Administration at Boren Field in his hometown of Wetumka, Oklahoma, and with the Central Flying Training Command in Altus, Oklahoma. He was eventually stationed at Barksdale Field in Shreveport, Louisiana, before being deployed to France, where his final mission began. 

Today, let us all take a moment to honor everyone who has served this country during times of war and ultimately paid the price for our liberty and freedom. Without their sacrifices, we would not enjoy our current way of life and all the blessings that come with it. 

Thank you for your service, Uncle Leon. You may be gone, but you are not forgotten.


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