On the night of October 19,1944, Ensign Merle H. Longnecker of New Rockford, North Dakota and Ensign George K. Kraus of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin had been both flying their Grumamn F6F-5N U.S. Navy “Hellcats” when they were both killed. Something went wrong during a training flight resulting in both planes colliding and crashing over Norwich, Connecticut.Navy Pilots 75th Anniversary Memorial Program
The Norwich Area Veterans Council is conducting a 75th Anniversary Memorial Program in memory of Ensign Longnecker and Ensign Kraus at the Preston Public Library at 389 Route 2 in Preston, Connecticut on Saturday, October 19, 2019 at 1 pm (rain or shine). All are invited to join the Norwich Area Veterans Council in remembering these young men who gave their lives for the United States of America During WW II.
About Norwich Area Veterans Council
The purpose of the Norwich Area Veterans Council shall be to coordinate projects of interest to all Veterans Organizations (Member Units) and their Auxiliaries (Member Units) in the Norwich area. The Council shall foster Patriotism and Americanism so that all Veterans receive full recognition and respect from the people of the greater Norwich area.
Program is in partnership with the Center for Hospice Care of Southeastern Connecticut
