Marvin H. Becker (Daily White 3)
Born to Herman Becker and Amanda Mary Aprill along with twin brother Melvin H. Becker the 25th February 1921 at Washtenaw County, Michigan, USA. He graduated from Ann Arbor high school in 1939 and went to the University of Michigan for two years where he was part of the wrestling team.
He was married on September 28th 1944 to Kathleen F. Green. They have two sons, James H. and John M. Becker and a daughter Mary K. Carrow. His twin brother Melvin died in 1985 aged 63.
Enlistment
In April 1942, whilst studying at the University of Michigan, he volunteered for the Army Air Force at Ann Arbor, Michigan His service number is 16057363 / O-810458.
Promoted to 1st Lieutenant on the 7th July 1944. He completed his tour of duty on the 23rd August 1944.
Aircraft flown and destroyed
If you've read Roach Stewart's page then you'll recognise this aircraft. Both men started their careers in this Thunderbolt, P47C2RE N° 41-6261 UN-B. Marvin Becker took over the plane from Gordon Batdorf before transferring it to Stewart as UN-R. This aircraft was destroyed in England on the 15th July 1944, the same day Robert Jenkins was killed in France.
His second aircraft was a P-47D-20-RA N° 43-25317 which was written off due to battle damage to the supercharger on 7th June 1944. This aircraft had 'Kitty written on the engine cowling in honour of his girlfriend.
His third and final aircraft was a P47D22RE N° 42-26299. This aircraft was later reassigned to Lt (later Capt.) Cameron Marion Hart. The aircraft was lost November 1944 details unknown, DNB (Died non-battle)..
He is credited with 2.75 kills in the air and another on the ground:
France 6th March 1944 shared 1/4.
France 8th March 1944 one enemy aircraft destroyed.
Germany 7th June 1944 shared 1/2.
Germany 30th June 1944 one enemy aircraft destroyed.
The American Press
The American press presented articles about Marvin Becker:
Lansing State Journal, 13th January 1942
Ypsilanti Daily Press, 26th October 1942
Ypsilanti Daily Press, 6th October 1944
Cemetary
Marvin Herman Becker died at Ann Arbor on the 13 May 1999 aged 78.
His final resting place is Washtenong Memorial Park and Mausoleum, 3771 Whitmore Lake Rd, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105 United States.
