Sidor had lived in Roseville since he was four months of age. He was a graduate of Roseville Joint Union High School and was known locally as an accomplished accordion player. He was employed by the North Star Gold Mine in Grass Valley when he enlisted on December 29, 1942. He first entered training as an aviation cadet, receiving his training at Buckley Field, Colorado; Lowry Field, Colorado; and Wendover, Utah. He had been overseas one month and was on his sixth mission when he was killed in action. He was stationed in England at the time and was flying a special bombing mission over Germany. As a member of the 603rd Bomb Squadron, 398th Bomb Group, he was gunner in the lead plane. While over the target, the wing of the plane was hit. He kicked out the escape door and aided others to leave the plane. The Purple Heart was awarded posthumously in August 1944. An Air Medal decoration was posthumously awarded by the commanding general of the 8th Air Force to Sidor's parents "for his exceptionally meritorious achievement in action against the enemy and for his courage, determination, and devotion to duty." A citation was issued posthumously "for exceptional meritorious achievement while participating in sustained bomber combat operations over enemy occupied continental Europe." The citation specified his "courage, skill, and coolness, reflecting great credit to himself and the armed forces." Besides his parents, Staff Sergeant Sidor was survived by his brother Laurel and his sisters Alda and Ila. His remains were brought home in 1949 and interred on June 6.

Thank you to Contributor: Royce Arnold Scott (49073092) • [email protected] for the following information.

B17 # 42-107231 Crew KIA:

CAPT Unite L Brodin, O-740045, MN, Pilot

MAJ Judson F Gray, O-370538, NC, Co-Pilot

CAPT Gordon F Davidson, O-728353, MO, Navigator

1LT Louis C Haberman, O-734900, WI, Engineer

1LT Paul W Voehringer, O-732191, CA, Bombardier

SSGT Peter D Carrado, 31168675, CT, Ball Turret Gunner

SSGT Sidor P Stizzo, 39406188, CA, Waist Gunner

TSGT Marlin Woodward, 6296264, TX, Waist Gunner

POWs:

Leroy Elton, Top Turret Gunner

Bernie Rochford, Radio Operator

Jerome Hans, Tail Gunner

Flak hit Engines # 3 and # 4 - Plane Exploded

Crashed Jungfernheide Railway Station