Earl F. Ferguson, age 26, of Philip, South Dakota, died on Sunday, August 1, 1943 in Romania.
Earl F. Ferguson was born July 6, 1917, to Edward V. and Frances Ferguson. He was a brother to Erma, Ford, Eddie and Tom. He grew up on the ranch northeast of Philip.
He enlisted in the Army Air Corps in January, 1942. Earl was admitted to aviation cadet training in March,1942 and trained at bases in California, Arizona and Texas. He graduated from Marfa, Texas in class 43-C as a pilot and was commissioned Second Lieutenant. He trained further at bases in New Mexico and Texas. In May, 1943, Earl was sent overseas. He was assigned to the 93rd Bomb Group as a B-24 pilot and flew seven missions.
Lieutenant Ferguson was killed along with eight other crew members on August 1, 1943, when their B-24 bomber was shot down over the Pelosti Oil Fields in Romania in WWII. He was posthumously awarded the Air Medal, Purple Heart and Distinguished Flying Cross.
After almost eighty years, the remains of Lt. Ferguson were identified and will be returned to Philip for burial with his parents with full military honors which will take place at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, October 24, 2024 at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.
Earl is survived by nieces, nephews and other family members.
The family would like to thank the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency for their tireless efforts to identify Lt. Ferguson’s remains. We would also like to thank Capt. Phillip Thompson and The Rush Funeral Home for their invaluable assistance in bringing Uncle Earl home.
Arrangements are with Rush Funeral Home of Philip.
