Second Lieutenant
United States Army Air Force
Wilmer John Lackas, son of Mrs. Vernie Webb of Davenport, Iowa and William Lackas of Fremont, Nebraska was born in Dodge City, Nebraska on 6 May 1922. The family moved to Davenport circa 1931.
Wilmer attended schools in Davenport, graduating from Saint Ambrose Academy (Class of 1940) and later attending Saint Ambrose College.
He enlisted in the United States Army Air Force in September 1942. Prior to his enlistment, Wilmer worked at Rock Island Arsenal as a draftsman. Wilmer was trained at various flying fields in the southwest and west. In February 1943, Wilmer received his wings and commission in a ceremony at Ellington Field, Texas. After serving in the Unites States for a while, he was sent England in September 1944.
In a War Department telegram, his mother learned that Wilmer's aircraft (he was a B-26 medium bomber pilot) was shot down near Newfamaison on 2 December 1944.
Wilmer was survived by his parents and a brother, Wayne (serving with the United States Navy in the South Pacific).
Second Lieutenant Wilmer John Lackas, United States Army Air Force, was buried in Rock Island National Cemetery on 29 April 1949. He was first buried in a cemetery at Fasse, Belgium.
Source of Information:
1. Davenport Democrat and Times, 18 December 1944, page 1.
2. National Archives, World War II Honor List of Dead and Missing Army and Army Air Forces Personnel for the State of Iowa.
3. National World War II Memorial veteran’s registry; http://www.wwiimemorial.com/.
4. Davenport Democrat and Times, 27 April 1949, page 11.
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