Laurel NE B-17 crash memorial

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July 12, 2013: This memorial is on US 20 in Laurel, Nebraska, 47 miles west of Sioux City. This is the text of the black marker:

On Aug. 5, 1944 a formation of 18 – B17 bombers were on a training flight from Sioux City, IA to Rapid City, SD[.] On their return to Sioux City they were passing over Laurel, NE when two of the bombers wings hit. One bomber came apart in the air and the other bomber nose dived straight down to the ground two miles east of here.

Among the 17 men killed was 2nd Lt. George M. Nelson of Goldfield. He was the only Iowan. The full list is on the center marker.

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