Paratroopers on C47A, Tail Nr. 42-10104 shot Down Near Wyler Germany

On May 31, 2019, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) identified the remains of Technical Sergeant Charles Gilbert Ruble, missing from World War II.
   Technical Sergeant Ruble, who entered the U.S. Army Air Forces from Indiana, served with the 99th Troop Carrier Squadron, 441st Troop Carrier Group. He was the engineer and crew chief aboard the C-47A Skytrain (serial number 42-101004, nicknamed "Celia L") when it departed U.S. Army Air Forces Station 490 Langar, Nottinghamshire, England, on September 17, 1944.
   The aircraft carried a crew of five and transported 10 paratroopers from the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment as part of Operation MARKET GARDEN. While approaching a drop-zone near Groesbeek, Netherlands, the plane took direct anti-aircraft fire to the wing. The paratroopers successfully exited the plane, but the five crew members remained on board. Two crew members successfully bailed out before the plane crash-landed but the pilot, still aboard when the plane hit the ground, was captured by the enemy.
   Crew member TSG Ruble was likely still on board the plane when it crashed, although he was not located after the incident, and subsequent investigations did not recover his remains at the time.
   IN PROGRESS... Technical Sergeant Ruble is memorialized on the Walls of the Missing at the Netherlands American Cemetery in Margraten.

Airman Accounted For From World War II (Ruble, C.)
Release No: 19-089 June 4, 2019 9

WASHINGTON — Army Air Forces Tech. Sgt. Charles G. Ruble, killed during World War II, was accounted for on May 31, 2019. (Official DoD release will be updated following Primary Next of Kin briefing.)

   In September 1944, Ruble was a member of the 99th Troup Carrier Squadron, 441st Troup Carrier Group, serving as an aerial engineer aboard a C-47A aircraft, nicknamed the "Celia L." On Sept. 17, 1944, the Celia L, which operated out of U.S. Army Air Forces Station 490 Langar, Nottinghamshire, England, was carrying a crew of five and transporting 10 paratroopers from the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, approaching a drop-zone near Groesbeek, Netherlands. The plane was seen taking direct anti-aircraft fire to the wing.

   While the paratroopers successfully exited the plane, the five crewmembers were still onboard. Three crewmembers survived, but two, including Ruble, could not be accounted for, and were believed to have been killed in the crash.

   The following is an excerpt from an email was sent to Jumpmaster on 24 April 2020:

I am the nephew of TSgt Charles G. Ruble, referenced in your article Paratroopers on C47A, Tail Nr. 42-10104 shot Down Near Wyler Germany
    “Uncle Charlie” was interred with full honors at 0900 March 2, 2020 at Arlington National Cemetery (Section 81, Grave 120). 35 family members attended the service (only one old enough to have known him personally).
    U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Walter Piatt presented the flag to the next of kin, members of the 82nd Airborne presented a flag and a flag was also presented by the USAF 99th Airlift Squadron (descendent of the 99th T.C.S.).
    The DPAA (Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency) used DNA from his brother, Robert, (who was 14 when Charles went missing) who passed away of Alzheimer’s in 2018. On this earth Robert, my dad, did not know that he was instrumental in bringing his brother home at last.
    You may use anything above.

I appreciated the information that was shared on the website regarding Charlie’s last hours. I certainly appreciate all that you and members of the military have done!

God Bless,
TSgt Brent W. Ruble, USAF-Ret.