Radio S/Sgt
Andre C Mongeau

December 23, 1944 S/Sgt. Andre Mongeau, from Kanakee - Illinois, US Airforce radio operator, on a resupply drop mission over Bastogne.

On the way back, the C47 formation heads north towards Marcouray in order to also drop supplies.

Unfortunately, due to the presence of a German general at La Roche in Ardenne, it was very well defended by a heavy anti-aircraft battery.

Andre's C47 was hit and he was forced to jump from his burning plane at an incredible altitude of 350 feet and landed in an evergreen tree.

Hearing muffled voices and assuming the Nazis must be heading toward the American lines, he headed toward them.

He was soon arrested by two Yankees who initially mistook him for a German, then he was then taken to the headquarters of Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Hogan whose task force was completely surrounded by the enemy.

Mongeau worked with his new buddies, fought with them, and repaired their radio communications equipment.

He will participate in the escape safe and sound.