Naper in Boyd County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Lost Airmen of World War II

Photographed By Jeffrey A. Schimpff, September 7, 2009

1. Lost Airmen of World War II Marker

Inscription. On August 3, 1944, a C-47 transport carrying twenty-eight men of the U.S. Army Air Forces crashed in a ravine six miles southwest of Naper during a severe storm. There were no survivors. It was the largest single military air disaster in Nebraska history. The plane was in flight from the Bruning, Nebraska, Army Air Field to Pierre, South Dakota, where the men would complete gunnery training before going overseas. A monument in nearby Knollcrest Cemetery honors their sacrifice.

Erected by Naper Historical Society; Nebraska State Historical Society. (Marker Number 453.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Disasters • War, World II. In addition, it is included in the Nebraska State Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1944.

Location. 42° 57.521′ N, 99° 5.404′ W. Marker is in Naper, Nebraska, in Boyd County. Marker is on State Highway 12, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Naper NE 68755, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 7 other markers are within 12 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Battle of Bonesteel (approx. 10.7 miles away in South Dakota); State Line Marker (approx. 11.1 miles away in South Dakota); Iron Post

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(approx. 11.1 miles away in South Dakota); Legacy Park (approx. 11.1 miles away in South Dakota); Bonesteel American Legion Memorial (approx. 11.1 miles away in South Dakota); Fairfax Veterans Memorial (approx. 11.3 miles away in South Dakota); Fairfax Fire Bell (approx. 11.3 miles away in South Dakota).

More about this marker. There is a companion memorial within a short walk, at the Knollcrest Cemetery very near Naper.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.

Lost Airmen of World War II Memorial at Knollcrest Cemetery image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Jeffrey A. Schimpff, September 7, 2009

2. Lost Airmen of World War II Memorial at Knollcrest Cemetery

Credits. This page was last revised on October 2, 2022. It was originally submitted on December 7, 2013, by Jeffrey A. Schimpff of Madison, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,107 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 7, 2013, by Jeffrey A. Schimpff of Madison, Wisconsin. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.