Remembering World War II heroes: Barre's Alvin Simenson shot down over Mediterranean Sea
BARRE – With a father who was born in Norway and a mother who was born in Sweden, Alvin Simenson could easily pass as German, which could have been most detrimental to him in a most perilous situation.
When the plane he was piloting crashed behind the far advanced line of the British, he was initially believed to be an enemy. That is, until he opened his mouth.
This is the continuation of the series Remembering Local World War II Heroes.
1st Lt. Alvin L. Simenson (1918-1944)
Alvin Lawrence Simenson was born on Feb. 28, 1918 in Gardner, the son of Sigurd Ingwald and Anna (Holmander) Simenson. His father was born in Norway, while his mother was born in Sweden. He moved to the Common in Barre with his parents in 1926, and lived with his sisters Gladys, Mildred and Mabel. He also had an older brother Anton.
He was a graduate of Barre High School, and later Mount Hermon and Boston University. He took up flying while a student at Boston University School of Business Administration from which he was graduated in 1941.
Upon graduation, he accepted a position with General Electric in Schenectady, New York, but left within a short time to enlist in the Air Corps. He entered the service in January 1942 and trained in Florida and Georgia, then continued training at Army aviation schools and camps. He was commissioned a second lieutenant upon completion of his training course.
He was stationed at St. Petersburg, Florida, before leaving the country for North Africa in January of 1943. He went on to serve in the North African and Italian theatres of war for eight months.
While piloting a Mustang fighter bomber in a dogfight with Nazi fighter pilots, Lt. Simenson crashed over Sicily on July 13, 1943. Instead of coming down in enemy territory, Simenson landed behind the far advanced line of the British. He was initially taken for a German, but was fortunately able to prove his identity by his New England accent.
He returned to his Allied base, but then on Aug. 19, 1943, Lt. Simenson was reported missing in action in North Africa. Ironically, his family had just received a letter from him dated the day before, on Aug. 18, from Sicily. He had been a member of the U.S. Army Air Forces 16th Bomber Squadron, 27th Bomber Group.
Mr. and Mrs. Simenson received word from the Adjutant General’s Office of the War Department, Washington, D.C., that their son had been missing in action on Aug. 19. It was later learned that he was shot down and lost over the Mediterranean Sea at the age of 26, and his official date of death according to the government was Aug. 20, 1944.
In the letter sent to his parents from Sgt. A.A. Desjardins of Gilbertville, who was believed to be the last person to talk with 1st Lt. Simenson before his last flight, had this to say in the letter to Mr. and Mrs. Simenson:
“I was a devoted friend of Lieutenant Simenson and respected him as an officer and a great flyer. He was one of the swellest guys I ever knew. I never saw him when he wasn't smiling and cheerful. One couldn't help but like him through his cheerful disposition, expert flying and excellent leadership.
He won the friendship and respect of the entire squadron. I certainly was proud to say that I lived in the vicinity of Lieutenant Simenson in his hometown. You may well be proud of your son Mr. and Mrs. Simenson. He was a grand person, a great flier and a great asset to the US Air Corps and the 16th Fighter Bomber Squadron.”
In October of 1944, 1st Lt. Alvin L Simenson was posthumously awarded the Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters for exceptionally meritorious achievement in aerial flight.
Gen. H. H. Arnold, commander of U.S. Army Air Forces, noted at the time: “Word has come to me of the fine military reputation Lieutenant Simenson built during his tour of duty as an officer after graduation at Spence Field. He accomplished objectives in a courageous manner, and was respected by associates for his resourcefulness and devotion to duty. All who knew him well considered him an airman of high caliber.
He was also the posthumous recipient of the Purple Heart, awarded for military merit and wounds received in action, resulting in his death. His other honors included the World War II Victory Medal, the American Campaign Medal, Army Presidential Unit Citation, Army Good Conduct Medal and the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign.
There is a marker for him at the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery and Memorial in Nettuno, Italy. In addition, he is listed on his family grave in Crystal Lake Cemetery in Gardner.
Comments and suggestions for Remembering Local World War 2 Heroes can be sent to Mike Richard at mikerichard0725@gmail.com or in writing Mike Richard, 92 Boardley Rd. Sandwich, MA 02563.
This article originally appeared on Gardner News: Alvin Simenson of Barre shot down in WWII over the Mediterranean Sea
