This Military Service Page was created/owned by
A3C Michael S. Bell (Unit Historian)
to remember
Souder, Donald S., MSgt.
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Donald S. Souder, 90, of Lower Paxton Twp., passed away Friday, March 2, 2012 at home surrounded by his devoted children.
Born August 22, 1921 in Harrisburg, he was a son of Roy and Hulda (Drenning) Souder.
He retired as a lineman with Western Electric after 35 years of service.
Don was a WWII U.S. Air Force veteran, flying 35 missions in the 8th Air Force, 92nd Bombardment Group, and he was awarded the Air Medal with Five Oak Leaf Clusters. He was a retired Master Sergeant with the U.S. Air Force National Guard, Unit 211.
He was a member of the American Legion Post 730 and was an active member of Calvary United Methodist Church.
His loving wife of 65 years, Martha C. Souder, preceded him in death along with his two brothers, Bob and Bill.
Surviving are four sons, Don, Mike, Mark and Matt (Kim); a daughter, Debra (Chuck Malone) Kruger; eight grandchildren who will truly miss him, Mike, Mark, Jacquelyn, Chase, Gage, Jodelle, Dusty and Tiffany; two great grandsons, Xavier and DJ, who could light up his eyes till the end; a sister-in-law, Ginny and her three girls, Bonnie, Robbie and Randee; and a niece, Vicki Wagner.
Graveside services with military honors will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens, 4855 Londonderry Rd., Harrisburg.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Central PA, 1320 Linglestown Rd., Harrisburg, PA 17110.
"92nd Bomb Group. I have a Donald S. Souder, waist gunner, on B-17 # 42-38156, part of Yanitelli crew. He was from the 325th Bomb Squadron."
1946-1953, C-47 Skytrain/Dakota
From Year 1946
To Year 1953
Personal Memories
Not Specified
Image
C-47 Skytrain/Dakota Details
Aircraft/Missile Information
During World War II, the armed forces of many countries used the C-47 and modified DC-3s for the transport of troops, cargo and wounded. Over 10,000 aircraft were produced in Long Beach and Santa Monica, California and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The Oklahoma City plant produced 5,354 C-47s from March 1943 until August 1945.
Model Douglas C-47 Skytrain / Dakota Mk I Length 63.75 ft | 19.43 m Width 95.51 ft | 29.11 m Height 16.99 ft | 5.18 m Engine(s) 2 x Pratt & Whintey R-1830-92 14-cylinder radial piston engines delivering 1,200hp each. Empty Weight 18,199 lbs | 8,255 kg MTOW 25,999 lbs | 11,793 kg Max Speed 230 mph | 370 km/h | 200 kts Max Range 1,600 miles | 2,575 km Ceiling 23,999 ft | 7,315 m | 4.5 miles Climb Rate 1,041 ft/min Hardpoints None. Armament None. Accommodations 3 + 27
