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Burr Ridge, Illinois: Parachute Martyr Memorial

Historical marker at the spot where Bruno F. Schustek fell to his death after untangling the parachute of a reckless skydiver.

Address:
7075 Veterans Blvd, Burr Ridge, IL
Directions:
I-55 exit 276B. Drive north on County Line Rd. At the stoplight turn left onto Veterans Blvd. Drive to the second stop sign. Turn left. Drive to the end of this street. Turn left, then quickly bear left at the North American Spine Society sign (#7075). Continuing bearing left into the parking lot. The plaque is at the end of the parking lot, next to the pond.
Admission:
Free
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Visitor Tips and News About Parachute Martyr Memorial

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Parachute Martyr Memorial.

Parachute Martyr Memorial

Schustek didn't actually land in the pond.

[Caitlin Cordova, 04/22/2019]

Good to know. The plaque's verbiage -- "on this site" -- is not too specific.

Bruno F. Schustek.

Schustek Pond and Memorial

A plaque honors Bruno F. Schustek, who died in a midair plane-to-plane attempt to rescue a trapped parachutist. The federal government officially named the pond after Schustek in April 2015. The plaque was unveiled on July 6, 2015, the 85th anniversary of his death.

[Keith Yearman, 07/10/2015]

Bruno was an ex-WWI German fighter pilot who saved the life of Mary Fahrney, a rich person who decided to parachute jump without any training. She went on to live a long, self-indulgent life. He died.


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In the region:
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