George Toriello sent me this researched material on December 31, 2019 from military and census records. 

Jerome Gilbert Hunt, from the information he uncovered, does not show a connection to Hackensack other than the fact that he is listed on the World War II Plaque at City Hall in Hackensack. This could mean he either lived in Hackensack before 1940 when he graduated from Teaneck High School or he lived in Hackensack after 1940. Another possibility is he worked for a company in Hackensack and/or was well known by the people of Hackensack.  For whatever reason Jerome Gilbert Hunt’s name ended up on the Plaque at Hackensack City Hall and nothing diminishes his sacrifice. 

   Jerome Gilbert Hunt was born June 9, 1923, in Patchogue, New York.  The 1940 Federal Census records reveal Jerome G. Hunt age 17, living at 566 Herrick Road Teaneck NJ.  School yearbook records reveal he graduated Teaneck High School in 1940.   

  Jerome Gilbert Hunt registered for service June 30, 1942. His residence is listed as Franklin Township, Somerset, NJ at that time. Jerome G. Hunt rose to the rank of 2nd Lieutenant with the 367 Fighter Squadron 358th Fighter Group.  While flying a Republic P-47 Thunderbolt his plane was shot down and crashed in Muehlacker, Germany December 19, 1944. 

Here is a brief account left on ‘Find A Grave’ of what happened on that fateful day:

 “P-47 pilot shot down near Stuttgart, Germany. 2LT Hunt reported his plane was hit and was seeking assistance to figure out the problem when his plane rolled twice and dove into the ground, leaving no survivor. One eyewitness believes 2LT Hunt may have been overcome by gasoline fumes.” 
           
Written by:
Bob Meli
April 30, 2020

Click here to view Teaneck Public Library Archive collection on Jerome Gilbert Hunt.