Ronald J. Yamka of Canonsburg, PA is looking for
information (and ESPECIALLY contact with next of kin) in regard to a
USAAF pilot, 1st. Lt. Charles A. Gours, Jr, 35th Fighter Squadron, 8th
Fighter Group (Serial Number 0797820). Lt. Gours crashed on 28 April
1944 at Nabzab, New Guinea, died of his injuries on 30 April 1944 and
was buried at the Manila American Cemetery, Manila, Philippine Islands,
in Plot D, Row 12, Grave 100. At the time of his accident, Lt. Gours was
the pilot of a Lockheed "Lightning" P-38H fighter aircraft. Lt. Gours
entered his military service from Delaware County, Pennsylvania in 1942.
He received his 2nd Lt's. commission in February of 1943 at Spence
Field, Moultrie, GA. Although the scant records of the crash
investigation do not document it, my father, Cpl. Walter F. Yamka, was
the VERY FIRST person to reach Lt. Gours at the crash site. He clearly
related that he dragged the injured pilot away from the burning aircraft
as gasoline and ammunition were consumed by the fire. Additional rescue
personnel soon arrived to render medical aid and comfort to Lt. Gours.
Cpl.Yamka received letters of appreciation and commendation for his part
in the rescue of this pilot. (Copies of related documents are attached
herein.)
I have expended much research effort attempting to locate any family of
Lt. Gours who may have saved official documents from the War Department,
telegrams and/or newspaper articles detailing his accident and death.
During his lifetime, Walter Yamka was always interested in finding out
more about the airman he helped to rescue many long years ago. While my
father was still with me, I undertook this project to satisfy his
curiosity as well as my own. Unfortunately, there still remains elusive
gaps in my quest for finality. I am seeking contact with anyone who may
have further information about Lt. Gours, as well as contact with family
members who are interested in furthering their knowledge of a long
deceased relative and a US serviceman of World War II. May this American
airman rest in eternal peace on foreign soil, and that his family
members still remember him and honor his memory, on our two special
holidays we observe for that solemn purpose.
Letters of
recognition, flight record, etc (requires Adobe Acrobat)
Picture of Cpl.
Walter F. Yamka
If you have any
information regarding Lt Gours or any family members, please fill out
this form or call Ron Yamka, (724)
746-2845. |
