Pooler in Chatham County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
489th Bomb Group
1943 - 1945
Dep Commander: Lt. Col. Leon R. Vance
Medal Of Honor
Dedicated to all who served with the
489th and a memorial to those of the
group who gave their lives in the cause
of freedom and human dignity
World War II
Halesworth, England
(Base)
Squadrons Squadrons
844th 846th
845th 847th
Topics. This memorial is listed in this topic list: War, World II.
Location. 32° 6.957′ N, 81° 14.215′ W. Marker is in Pooler, Georgia, in Chatham County. Located adjacent to I-95, Georgia exit 102, (US 80 east), at the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 175 Bourne Avenue, Pooler GA 31322, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Staff Sergeant Oliver H. Lester “Bud” (a few steps from this marker); 491st Bombardment Group (H) (a few steps from this marker); 351st Bombardment Group (Heavy) (a few steps from this marker); 385th Bombardment Group (H) (a few steps from this marker); 398th Bombardment Group (Heavy) (a few steps from this marker); 355th Fighter Group (a few steps from this marker); B/G John S. Allard (a few steps from this marker); 379th Bombardment Group (H) (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pooler.
Regarding 489th Bomb Group. In an attack against coastal defenses near Wimereaux on 5 Jun 1944, the group's lead plane was seriously crippled by enemy fire, its pilot was killed, and the deputy group commander, Lt Col Leon R Vance Jr, who was commanding the formation, was severely wounded; although his right foot was practically severed, Vance took control of the plane, led the group to a successful bombing of the target, and managed to fly the damaged aircraft to the coast of England, where he ordered the crew to bail out; believing a wounded man had been unable to jump, he ditched the plane in the Channel and was rescued. For his action during this mission, Vance was awarded the Medal of Honor.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 22, 2020. It was originally submitted on May 25, 2013, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 752 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14. submitted on May 26, 2013, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.