ERNEST J. NISSEN
1917-1944

Ernest J. Nissen, son of Ernest C. & Bertha (Ohde) Nissen, was born August 21, 1917. He graduated from Manning High School in 1935, and worked as a lineman for the REA from 1938 to 1942, when he enlisted in the Air Force. He was married to Ruth Lage November 7, 1943.

Staff Sgt. Nissen was sent overseas in March, 1944. He was a gunner on one of the heavy bombers which were sent to destroy targets at Munich, Germany, June 6, 1944.
He was killed over the Aegean Sea while returning to Bari, Italy, following the bombing mission in Munich.
His body was never recovered.

The information etched in the Manning Cemetery tombstone states:
S SGT Ernest Nissen 1917 - 1944
in memory of, killed in action over Italy.
Section C Row #5 north - south.

Ernest is listed as "Missing in Action" and his name is memorialized on this plaque in the Florence American Cemetery just south of Florence, Italy.

Manning Monitor article------ 1943

Ernest J. Nissen in Air Corps Corsicana, Texas, June 27, 1943
Aviation Cadet Ernest J. Nissen has just arrived at Corsicana Field from the San Antonio Aviation Cadet Center San Antonio, Texas as a member of Class 44-A.

Cadet Nissen has been assigned for primary flight training to the Air Force Training Detachment, commanded by Capt. L. S. Dysiner, one of the many Primary Flying Schools in the Army Air Forces Gulf Coast Training Center.
He is the son of Mr. E. C. Nissen of Manning, Iowa.

Manning Monitor article------ 1944

Ernest Nissen Listed Missing In Action
Mrs. Ernest Nissen received a telegram from the war department last night, stating that her husband, Staff Sgt. Ernest J. Nissen had been missing in action in Italy since June 9th.
Staff Sgt. Nissen had been in Italy for the past three months.

Staff Sgt. Ernest J. Nissen
Following is a letter received by Mrs. Ernest Nissen concerning the recent report that her husband had been listed as missing in action: Fifteenth Air Force Office of the Commanding Officer A. P. O. 520.
Mrs. Ruth Nissen. Box 399.
Denison, Iowa. Dear Mrs. Nissen:
The War Department will have notified you prior to receipt of this letter that your husband, Staff Sergeant Ernest J. Nissen, Jr., 17119298, is carried as missing in action.
Ernest served as a gunner on one of the heavy bombers which on June 9, 1944, were sent to destroy targets at Munich, Germany.

On the return trip from the target your husband's Liberator collided with another aircraft.
A part of its wing was sheared off in the accident and it soon dropped out of formation and fell into the sea. An air-sea search was made but none of the crew members were found. I realize the sorrow that this news has brought you but I also know that you want all facts available here regarding the circumstances under which your husband was last seen.

I assure you that when we are in receipt of any additional details affecting Ernest's status, you will be advised at once.
During the time your husband has been with us he has established a very creditable record. In recognition of his capable participation in operational flights he has been awarded the Air Medal and Oak Leaf Cluster.
On behalf of his many friends I wish to extend our deep sympathy. Very sincerely yours,
N. F. Twining,
Major General, USA Commanding.

Telegram Verifies Letter On Death Of Ernie Nissen
Mrs. Ernest Nissen received a telegram from the War Department last week giving official confirmation to the former letter received, stating that Ernest had been killed in action.
No further details other than those given in the letter published two weeks ago were given.

CARD OR THANKS
May we thank our relatives, friends and neighbors for their many expressions of sympathy since the time of our bereavement.
We especially thank Rev. J. M. Ansorge for his words of comfort as well as those who took part in the Memorial Service.
Your kindness will long be remembered.
Mrs. Ruth L. Nissen,
The Nissen Family.

Rites at Manning For Ernie Nissen

Services for Ernie Nissen, 64, Storm Lake motel operator, were held at the First Presbyterian Church in Manning Thursday.

Nissen lived most of his life here, where he operated a pool hall and was night marshal for many years. He is survived by his wife, Bertha (Ohde) Nissen, a son, Merlin Nissen, Denison, a daughter, Betty (Mrs. Leland) Cobb, Fort Dodge, four brothers, and three sisters.

A son, Ernest John Nissen, Jr. was killed over the Aegean Sea during a bombing mission on June 9, 1944; the body was never recovered.
Des Moines Tribune December 25, 1953