Kjosness, Gustav Donald, born 10-09-1919, in Spokane, Spokane County,
Washington, Unites States, to Gustav Adolph Kjosness (1887–1983) and his wife Mary Ellen, born Campbell Kjosness (1891–1987)
Gustav had one sister Mary Ellen Kjosness Daly (1911–2005) 
On 6 and 8 June, 2th Lieutenant Gustav Kjosness’ unit was in action against German forces on a bombing mission against enemy ground targets over the Cherbourg Peninsula, Normandy, France
on D-Day and D-Day +2. Shortly after crossing the coast on 6 June, Kjosness was hit by a shell fragment and rendered unconscious.
After regaining consciousness just before reaching the target, Gustav Kjosness assumed his post and dropped the bomb load with devastating effect.
Death and burial ground of Kjosness, Gustav Donald.
On 8 June, although he had not recovered from his wound, Kjosness, age 24, asked to fly as bombardier on another extremely hazardous mission. At the moment the bombs were released on the target, Kjosness was hit and mortally wounded by a large shell fragment. When he heard the command to close the bomb bay doors, of the B-26 Marauder Bomber
Gustav knew that unless the doors were closed the aircraft would likely fall out of formation and become an easy target for German fighters. Kjosness then used the last of his strength to obey the pilot’s orders and died with his mangled left hand still clutching the bomb bay lever. Kjosness’ courageous actions, extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty that day earned him, at the cost of his life, the U.S. Army’s second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross. ![]()
Kjosness, Gustav Donald is buried at the Cambridge American Cemetery and MemorialCoton, South Cambridgeshire District, Cambridgeshire, England. Section, Plot: F Row: 2 Grave: 83.
There are 3,812 American heroes laid to rest at Madingley American Cemetery and another 5,127 names inscribed on the Wall of Missing. Nearly 10,000 service members are buried or honored there, and each has their own unique tale.
At the Wall of Missing, visitors will find the name Technish Sergeant Anthony Fidares. His brother, Sergeant Nicholas James Fidares, is buried in Plot D, Row 6, Grave 23.
Anthony on the right.











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