First Lieutenant Daniel Bernard Bleser died in Northern Ireland while serving in a Royal Canadian Air Force squadron though he had transferred to 8th U.S.A.A.F.
First Lieutenant
O-885990
First Lieutenant Daniel Bernard Bleser (O-885990) served in 8th United States Army Air Force during the Second World War. Born on 17th March 1915 and known as Bud, he was the son of Daniel Clement Bleser and Myrtle Josephine Bleser (née Smalley) of Manitowoc County, Wisconsin, U.S.A.
Bud attended Lincoln High School and was a graduate of Lake Forest Academy in Illinois, U.S.A., and Lawrenceville Academy in New Jersey, U.S.A. The latter school was a preparatory school for Princeton University, which he later attended, followed by the Babson Institute. After completing his education, he returned to Manitowoc County, Wisconsin, U.S.A. to join his father in operating the Bleser Brewing Co. in 1937.
In September 1941, Bleser enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force, training in Toronto, Canada. He received his wings in August 1942 and was posted to Prince Edward Island for advanced navigation training. The following month, he departed for the United Kingdom where he served before transferring to 8th U.S.A.A.F. in July 1943.
First Lieutenant Bleser died on 15th February 1944 aged 28 years old while attached to R.C.A.F. 407 (Demon) Squadron. This General Reconnaissance Squadron of the Royal Canadian Air Force was one of seven Canadian outfits serving alongside R.A.F. Coastal Command. Bleser was part of the crew of Vickers Wellington HF142 2-H. The Leigh Light-fitted bomber took off from R.A.F. Limavady, Co. Londonderry, stalling in the process, and crashing causing the deaths of all crew members.
Burial first took place at Lisnabreeny American Military Cemetery, Belfast. After the war, Bleser was repatriated to Plot B, Row 39, Grave 2-5 of Evergreen Cemetery, Manitowoc County, Wisconsin, U.S.A.