John George “Jack” Schill, Jr.

“I was never able to meet my Uncle Jack since he died so long ago. However, I have very fond memories of my grandmother talking about him (her brother) and their childhood. In addition, my Uncle Brian has spent a lot of time researching all of Jack’s squad members, where he was killed, and has uncovered some unique family history through his research.”

– Darcy Everett, Recycling Project Manager, Facilities Management

Jack Schill, remembered by his great-niece, Darcy Everett

After 60 missions, Jack Schill was killed in action in 1944 over Hungary while attempting to outmaneuver German war planes.

Jack was a fighter pilot and squadron leader in World War II who flew Lockheed P-38 Lightning planes.

His squadron missions were to escort bombers to targets in France, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Yugoslavia, and Bulgaria as well as to do reconnaissance missions. He flew more than 60 missions in about a year and a half of service and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for a mission in France.

His diary entries include:

• November 5, 1943: “I flew my first combat mission….On the night when the first mission was announced, I hardly slept a wink.”
• December 1, 1943: “My 4th mission was terrific! We escorted B-17s to Torin where there was a strategic ball bearing plant. As we approached the target, flak came at us! A whole formation of enemy fighters were upon us, they split up in pairs and were on us from every angle. After quite a dog fight, we returned. No bombers were lost, all our ships got back and Gerry lost two!”

Jack’s last diary entry was from June 25, 1944, and he was lost on July 14, 1944, over Hungary when one of his squad members was being chased by German war planes and he tried to maneuver away from them. The wing of his plane was hit and his plane exploded. He was killed on impact; he was 22.