I am SERIOUSLY hoping any remaining family member that wants to attend the services will be provided with transportation and housing.
It would be shameful to not do that.
I agree.
That man has my immediate respect , just finding out the target that day.
Ploiesti was one of
those targets that most men dread, and get their affairs in order before they go wheels up. A 'ring' of five oil refinery complexes joined by an ingenious pipeline network that permitted any or most to be bypassed if damaged, it was very high priority for the Reich, and high priority for us to destroy.
Only Berlin had more 88mm antiaircraft positions around it than that refinery complex, which was why the bombers went in low (just above the rooftops). The distance traveled in the mission left many who survived the bombing run without adequate fuel to return to their base of departure.
His actions over the target enabled his squadron mates to get home, at the cost of his own life.
