Lumir J. Prucha - 668th Obituary

416th Bombardment Group (L)

Lumir Joseph "Lou" Prucha

1st Lt, Pilot

April 29, 1917 - January 16, 1981

668th Bombardment Squadron (L)

A funeral mass was held on Monday, Jan. 19, for Lumir J. Prucha at St. Patrick's Church in Elkhorn. The Rosary was held on Sunday, Jan. 18, at the Swanson Funeral Home in Elkhorn. The Rev. M.J. Petrasic officiated for the services.

Prucha was born April 29, 1917, at Dodge, Nebr. to George and Clara (Martinek) Prucha, Sr. He departed this life on Jan. 16, 1981 in Omaha after an illness of two years at the age of 63. He attended Rosehill grade school and Technical High, both in Omaha. He specialized in maintenance engineering. On June 2, 1943, Prucha was united in marriage to Mary Margaret Brennan. They resided in Elkhorn for 14 years. To this union six children were born.

Prucha was retired and a member of St. Patrick's Church in Elkhorn and the Knights of Columbus. He was preceded in death by his father, George Prucha, Sr. He is survived by his mother, Clara; his widow, Mary; sons, Edward John, James Francis, Richard George; daughters, Mary Lumir, Nora Clara, Catherine Agnes, and five grandchildren. The organist for the service was Mr. James Rezac. Pallbearers were Allan Dent, Judson Hall, Bernard Marino, Edward Prucha, James Prucha and Richard Prucha.

Interment was at Mt. Calvary Cemetery near Elkhorn. The Swanson Funeral Home of Elkhorn was in charge of the arrangements.

Lou enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps on December 9, 1941. He graduated his pilot's training program as a member of Class SE-43-D on his 26th birthday, April 29, 1943. Lou continued A-20 training in the states until September, 1944 when he was assigned to the 668th Bombardment Squadron (Light), 416th Bomb Group of the 9th Air Force, just as the group was moving from England to station A-55 at Melun, France. Lou flew 37 combat missions between December 6, 1944 and April 26, 1945, most often piloting "Sugar Baby", an A-26B model "Invader", and was flight leader on his last few missions.

Lou was awarded the European, African, Middle Eastern Ribbon with 3 Bronze Stars; 6 Oak Leaf Clusters and 1st Silver Oak Leaf Cluster to his Air Medal; the American Theatre Ribbon; and Victory Medal. He returned to the states in September, 1945 and was honorably discharged on January 14, 1946 with the rank of 1st Lieutenant. Lou remained a member of the Nebraska National Guard and Air Force Reserve until 1951 and attained the rank of Captain. (submitted by Rick Prucha)