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Sgt Carl J Vaagen
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S/Sgt Carl J Vaagen was from Carpio, ND. Carl was born at home in Plain Township January 6, 1921. His parents were Sam and Amanda Wierson Vaagen. Carl brothers were Orville, Palmer, Severine, Berthel, Earl, John, LLoyd, Harold and one sister Amanda. Carl did Grammar school and graduated in 1935 from the 8th grade at the country school not far from where they lived out in the country, it was in Mayland district Ward County, ND. Carl's Mother died at the age of 50. He enlisted in the Airforce Army at Spokane, WA on Sept 22, 1942, his brother Berthel Vaagen was also in the Airforce on a B-17 (see his B-17 in flight). Carl did training for gunner on B-24 and was assigned to the Thieme crew, 719 th Squadron 449th Bomb group. Mid December 1943 the 449th Bomb Group moved overseas from Morrison Field, FL. Here you can see the route they followed in the movement overseas.Carl was aboard of the "Betty Ann" on the crash over Morroco on December 15, 1943 when severe weather had catastropic effects on the plane. Carl bailed out succesfully but unfortinately broke both of his legs on two place. After this Carl was repatriated to the USA for recovery. Carl is native of North Dakota and is still living in ND. I have found no more information at this time and I'm looking for more on his story. Sgt Carl J Vaagen was not on the fatal mission but was an original member of the Thieme crew and surely did training with them. Time to time Carl still drives a big truck if they ask him to help in the compagny he works before getting retired.
Any addional information on this man is welcome.
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My special thanks to Mr Carl Vaagen and his niece, Dawn Christianson for the pictures and the help on this research.