Early Life and Education
George William Springer III was born on September 2, 1923, in St. Joseph, Missouri, while his parents, George Springer Jr. and his wife, were living in Severance, Kansas. In 1927, the family moved to Seneca, Kansas, where George would spend the remainder of his youth alongside his siblings, William and Mary Margaret. He attended Sts. Peter and Paul Grade and High School, graduating in 1941.
During his school years, George was well-liked and respected. He excelled both academically and socially, showing leadership qualities and strong personal convictions. Active in music, sports, and debate, he was known for his ambition and sincerity. Following high school, George enrolled at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, in the fall of 1941. He was in his second year of pre-law studies when he chose to answer the call to serve his country.
Enlistment and Pilot Training
On February 21, 1943, George Springer III left Seneca with his parents, sister Margaret, and brother Bill accompanying him partway to Omaha, Nebraska, before he continued on to join the U.S. Army Air Corps. He began his military journey with classification and pre-flight training, receiving assignments to various bases as he progressed. By July 1943, he was training as an aviation cadet at the Santa Ana Army Air Base in California. Later that year, he continued his instruction with the 16th Army Air Forces Training Detachment in Wickenburg, Arizona.
George’s rigorous training prepared him for single-engine fighter operations. In April 1944, he graduated from advanced flight training in Phoenix, Arizona, earning both his pilot’s wings and the rank of second lieutenant. This milestone was the first time his parents had seen him in 14 months. His next training phase took him to Harding Field in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he completed operational training in the P-47 Thunderbolt fighter plane.
Overseas Deployment
In September 1944, George wrote home from his new station in England, where he was assigned as a pilot with the U.S. Army Air Forces flying P-47 Thunderbolts. These rugged fighter-bombers were crucial to the Allied effort, providing escort to bombers and delivering ground attack missions to weaken enemy forces ahead of advancing troops.
Final Mission and Missing in Action Report
On October 17, 1944, Lt. Springer was on a dive-bombing mission over southeastern France, approximately seven miles northwest of Basel, Switzerland. During the mission, his squadron encountered hostile aircraft. In the confusion of aerial combat, George’s plane disappeared. That same day, he had written a letter home—unaware it would be the last his family would receive.
In November 1944, the War Department notified his parents that he was missing in action. Hopes for his safe return persisted through the winter. His father’s own World War I service as a field artillery officer gave the family a deep understanding of military sacrifice, but also a determination to hold on to hope.
Confirmation of Death
On March 15, 1945, the official confirmation came through the International Red Cross via the German government: Lt. George Springer III had been killed in action on October 17, 1944. At the time of his death, he had been in the Army Air Forces for just over 18 months and overseas for less than two months. Reports confirmed that his squadron played an active role in supporting ground troops during the autumn advance across France.
Legacy and Memorial
George was 21 years old when he died, remembered by friends and family as a young man of fine character, quiet determination, and high ambition. He had hoped to finish his law degree after the war, with plans to study at Harvard, and was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 1769 in Seneca.
On October 1, 1945, a Memorial Mass was held at Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Seneca. The solemn high mass was celebrated by family friend Rev. Father Patrick O’Shea, with clergy, the American Legion, Knights of Columbus, Boy Scouts, and the school chorus all participating in the tribute. The American flag was presented to his mother on behalf of the American Legion, honoring her son’s service and sacrifice.
In addition to his parents, George was survived by his brother, William, a cadet at West Point, and his sister, Mary Margaret, of the home. His life and service remain a testament to the courage and dedication of the young Americans who fought and died in World War II.
SOURCES
Courier Tribune
25 Feb 1943
page 3
Names in the News
Mr. and Mrs. George Springer, Jr., Margaret and Bill, and MR. and Mrs. Joe McAnarney drove to Hiawatha Sunday, taking George Springer, III that far on his way to Omaha, Neb., where he will be recruited in the Army Air Corps.
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Courier Tribune
13 Jul 1943
Page 2
News of Men in Service
George Springer III has a new address. It is A/C Geo W. Springer, Pilot, Sqdn. 38, Flight C, SAAAB, Santa Ana, California,
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Courier Tribune
30 Sept 1943
page 1
With the Armed Forces
A C George Springer has a new address. It is 16th AFFTO, Flt N, 44c, Wickenburg, Arizona.
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The Courier Tribune
17 April 1944
page 1
With the Armed Forces
George Springer III has completed his training as single engine fighter pilot in the army air corps and graduated at Phoenix, Ariz., Saturday, receiving his wings and the commission of second lieutenant. George called his parents this morning asking them to meet him in Topeka tomorrow night. He will have a leave. This is the first time Mr. and Mrs. Springer have seen their son in 14 months.
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The Courier-Tribune
24 April 1944
page 3
Names in the News
William Springer, Creighton University, Omaha, was home for a week-end visit with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. George Springer, Jr., and other relatives. He came to visit his brother, Lt. George W. Springer, III, home on 15-day leave. George recently graduated form an army air training school, received his wings and commission.
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The Courier-Tribune
1 May 1944
page 1
Rev. S. M. Finch Reviews Article by Rckenbacher
One of the pleasant parts of rotary are the guests from time to time. Last Thursday Lieut. George Springer of the Air Corps was present. He has just completed his training as a pilot at Baton Rouge, La. He now goes to Phoenix, Arizona, for operation training and assignment. He gave a few items regarding his training in answer to questions by various Rotarians.
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Courier Tribune
8 May 1944
page 1
With the Armed Forces
The address of the older son of Major and Mrs. George Springer Jr., is Lt. George Springer III, 0-774341, 72nd Fighter Wing, Indoctrination Flight May. M. Harding Field, Baton Rouge, La.
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The Courier-Tribune
11 Sep 1944
page 1
News of Men and Women in Uniform
Lt. George Springer has written his parents from a base in England where he is stationed since his arrival overseas. George is the elder son of Mr. and Mrs. George Springer Jr and is the pilot of a Thunderbolt fighter plane.
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Courier-Tribune
13 Nov 1944
page 1
Lt. Springer Is Reported Missing
Since October 17 in Flight Over France
Mr. and Mrs. Geo Springer Jr. received a message Friday from Adjutant General Ulio of the War Department, informing them that their elder son, Lt. Geo. Springer, III, was reported missing in action over France since October 17. The message also stated that any further information received would be forwarded to the parents.
George is 21 years old, was pilot of a Thunderbolt Fighter plane for the U.S. Army. He reported for service in February 1943 while attending Creighton University at Omaha, Neb. HE was taking his second year of a pre-law course at that time. After several months training he received his wings and the commission of second lieutenant and left in August this year for overseas combat duty.
The last letter George’s parents received form him was written on October 17, the same date he was reported missing. His parents and many friends are hopeful of encouraging word of his safety.
George Springer Jr. served as First Lieutenant in command of a battery with the Field Artillery in France during World War I and after returning home, was advanced to Captain and later to Major. William Springer, the younger son of Mr. and Mrs. Geo Springer Jr., is attending the U.S. Naval Academy at West Point, N.Y. Mary Margret Springer, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Springer, is attending the Catholic High School.
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Courier Tribune
15 March 1945
page 1
Learn Pilot Was Killed
Over France Oct. 17
George Springer III Met Death in Action, IS the Oficial Report
Mr. and Mrs. George Springer Jr. received a message Tuesday from the War Department stating their son, a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Air Corps, previously reported missing in action, was killed in action in October of last year. The report was received by the United States officials from the German government through the International Red Cross.
Lt. George Springer III, pilot of a P-47 Thunderbolt Fighter Plane in the European theater of war, had been in service a little more than 18 months and overseas not quite two months when he paid the supreme sacrifice for his country, according to the official report. George piloted a one-man plane and according to previous information was on a dive bombing mission in Southeastern France, seven miles northwest of Basil, Switzerland, when the squadron encountered hostile aircraft. George’s plane disappeared and was never heard from. It is well known that the squadron of which the Seneca pilot was a member, played an active part in assisting ground forces in their progress across France during the early fall months.
Lieut. Springer was 21 years old September 2, 1944. He was born at St. Joseph, Mo., when his parents lived at Severance, Kansas, and moved with them to Seneca in 1927. George was an aggressive youth, ambitious and sincere in his principles and convictions. He attended Sts. Peter and Paul Grade and High School, graduating from high school in 1941. In school he was a general favorite and leader, active in music and sports and a member of the debate team. He entered Creighton University at Omaha in the fall of 1941 and was in the second semester in the school of law when called to service. It was George’s ambition to complete his studies at Harvard College after the war and his future as a lawyer was promising. He was a member of Seneca Council 1769 Knights of Columbus.
In addition to his parents, one brother, William Springer, cadet at West Point and a sister, Mary Margaret Springer of the home, survive. Sincere sympathy of all their friends is extended to this fine family in the bereavement.
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The Sabetha Herald
21 March 1945
Page 1
Men In The Service
Lt. George Springer Killed.
Mr. and Mrs. George Springer, Jr., received a message a week ago Tuesday from the War Department stating that their son, George Springer III, a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Air Corps, previously reported missing in action, was killed in action in October of last year. The report was received by the United States officials from the German government through the International Red Cross.
Lt. George Springer III, pilot of a P-47 Thunderbolt Fighter Plane in the European theater of war, had been in service a little more than 18 months and overseas not quite two months when he paid the supreme sacrifice for his country, according to the official report. George piloted a single seat fighter plane and according to previous information was on a dive bombing mission in Southeastern France seven miles northwest of Basil, Switzerland, when the squadron encountered hostile aircraft. His plane disappeared and was never heard from. It is well known that the squadron of which the Seneca pilot was a member, played an active part in assisting ground forces in their progress across France during the early fall months.
In addition to the parents, one brother, William Springer, cadet at West Point, and a sister, Mary Margaret Springer of the home, survive. — Seneca Courier-Tribune.
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Courier Tribune
1 Oct 1945
page 1
A Memorial Mass for Seneca Flier
Many friends and acquaintances as well as organizations to which he belonged, paid respect to the memory of Lt. George Springer III a the Memorial Mass held Thursday morning in Sts. Peter and Paul Church, Seneca. Lt. Springer lost his life in action, October 17, 1944, when his Thunderbolt Fighter plane went down seven miles northwest of Basil, Switzerland.
Rev. Father Patrick O’Shea, Bendena, Kans., a friend of the Springer family, was celebrant of the Solemn High Mass held at ten o’clock. Rev. Father Richard Burns was deacon, Rev. Father Michal Carroll, sub-deacon and rev. Father Matthew Hall, Master of Ceremonies. Rev. Father Mathias Stein, Atchison, was in the sanctuary. Father Matthew gave the sermon and paid tribute to the life of the fine young man who made the supreme sacrifice for world freedom. George was 21 years old at the time of his death. He enlisted in the service while studying law at Creighton University, Omaha. HE was a quiet young man, studious and of fine character.
Members of the Earle W. Taylor Post, American Legion, Knights of Columbus and boy Scouts attended the mass in a body. Fourth Degree Knights formed a guard of honor. Pfc. John Heideman carried the papal flag. After the religious commitment service, on the church lawn, following the mass, legionnaires conducted their part of the rites. Jack R. Houston directed the firing squad composed of George J. Buser, Frank Meyer, Francis Melcher and Barney Rethman. Sgt. Bob Buehler and S-Sgt. Don Price were color guards and Lynn Strohmeyer and Leonard Huerter color bearers. c. E. Rising, Chaplain of the Legion, presented the American flag to Mrs. Springer on behalf of that organization. Members of Sts. Peter and Paul School chorus sang America and Taps.
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Obituary
Springer ‘Comes Home;’ S.C.H. Pays Solemn Honor to Gallant Alumnus
George Springer, ’41, gave his life for his country, Oct. 17, 1944.
Now Springer is “coming home.” At 10 o’clock Monday morning tribute of a military funeral, and the blessing of the parish church in which he knelt as a student so many times, will be his. Teachers, fellow classmates, and the “younger kids” who still remember the debater, the musician, the sodalist, the all-round fine student who was “Springer” to everyone, will be bidding him a solemn welcome home.
Walking into the newly arranged library, one will see today the award for the district debate tournament which George helped to win. Active in all school work, he won a letter in basketball, started at the age of 15 in orchestra, of which he was manager and drummer, worked on the Optimist, entered the diocesan apologetics contest, won first place in the KSSU essay contest in 1940, and was prefect of the sodality.
When high school days were over, George went to Creighton University and after his third semester there, enlisted. Lt. George Springer, III, became pilot of a P-47 Thunderbolt Fighter Plane and was in service 18 months and overseas two months when his plane disappeared and was never heard from.
Now the peace he fought for is temporarily won, and Springer is coming back, not to be a lawyer as he had planned, but to receive the reverent tribute of his home town, of the friends who will never forget him. He will truly live in the memories of everyone and particularly of the old school whose halls and rooms his genial way brightened so much, because by his example he showed what one can do who makes the effort. He made the supreme sacrifice of a promising life for God and his country, and the Optimist voices the opinion of SCH when it says:
“We salute you, George Springer, for everything you stood for and believed in.”
Eight members of Lt. Springer’s class will be pallbearers. Dressed in the uniform of the country which they too served, will be Bill (Butler) Butler, Norbert (Bockie) Heiman, Edgar (Pete) Engelken, Dr. Joseph (Toby) Holthaus, Quentin Ronnebaum, Justin (Judd) Altenhofen, Joseph Luckertoth and Louis Haefele Jr. The high school boys schola will sing at the Requiem.
Present at the services, besides all his many friends, will be his father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. George Springer Jr., whose home was always open to “Springer’s” friends; Bill Springer, ’43, now ranking fifth in his senior class at Kansas State; Margaret Mary Springer, ’47, student nurse at Providence Hospital, Kansas City, Kansas.
Yes, Springer is coming home. Actually he went home on that October day in 1944, when he met the God he had so gallantly and cheerfully served.