Corona in Queens in Queens County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
NYC Bomb and Forgery Squad Explosion Memorial
This plaque is dedicated to the memory of detectives
Joseph J. Lynch and Ferdinand A. Socha
Bomb and Forgery Squad
Who were killed in the line of duty while examining a time bomb taken from the British Pavilion of the World's Fair in Flushing Meadow Park at 4:45 P.M. on July 4, 1940
Topics. This historical marker and memorial is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Notable Events • Patriots & Patriotism. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1891.
Location. 40° 44.736′ N, 73° 50.766′ W. Marker is in Queens, New York, in Queens County. It is in Corona. Marker is on Avenue of the States south of United Nations Avenue S, on the left when traveling north. The plaque is actually located across the fairgrounds from where the event actually took place. The original location is now underneath an expressway. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Corona NY 11368, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Unisphere (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Unisphere (about 400 feet away); Black, Trans & Alive (Qweens Song), 2021 (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Unisphere (about 500 feet away); a different marker also named Unisphere (about 500 feet away); Tsunami Memorial (about 600 feet away); a different marker also named The Unisphere (about 600 feet away); Pronghorn: Masters of Migration (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Queens.
More about this memorial. On July 4, 1940, a suspicious "ticking" satchel was discovered inside the British Pavilion at the New York World’s Fair. Officers Lynch and Socha were called in to investigate. The satchel had been brought outside, to the back of the Polish Pavilion. Socha opened the bag. Lynch peered inside. The bomb went off, blowing them both to bits and leaving a crater 5 feet deep. Nearby Fairgoers thought that it was fireworks for the 4th of July. The bombers were never caught, and the case remains open to this day. It was suspected that the bomb was planted by Germans (as it WAS 1940) or the Irish.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 10, 2009, by Ronald Claiborne of College Station, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,063 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 10, 2009, by Ronald Claiborne of College Station, Texas. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.