Remains of B-17 bomber gunner identified
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B-17 Flying Fortresses from the 398th Bombardment Group fly a bombing run to Neumunster, Germany, on April 13, 1945, less than one month before the German surrender on May 8. (Air Force)
The remains of a B-17 Flying Fortress top turret gunner, shot down over Germany in World War II, have been recovered.
Army Air Forces Staff Sgt. Willard R. Best, 24, of Staunton, Illinois, was accounted for Sept. 3, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced Oct. 24.
In August 1944, Best was a top turret gunner aboard a B-17G assigned to the 407th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 92nd Bombardment Group (Heavy), 40th Combat Bombardment Wing, 1st Air Division, 8th Air Force. On Aug. 24, the nine-man crew of the Flying Fortress was conducting a bombing raid over Merseburg, Germany, when it was struck by anti-aircraft fire and crashed, according to the DPAA.. Four crewmembers survived and were captured by German forces. The other five, including Best, were killed. – article
Per the article, Best will be buried in the spring of 2020.
Category: Historical, No Longer Missing, We Remember
“He will be buried in his hometown in the spring of 2020”
Welcome home Staff Sgt Best.
SSgt Best’s accounting was announced in September in this “No Longer Missing” article.
Welcome home, elder brother-in-arms. Rest easy.
Welcome home Brother.
Welcome home.
Welcome home, SSgt Best.
Thanks for the update Ex. Looks as if the folks in Staunton IL will be in attendance to lay SSG Best to his final resting place. Internment planned for the Spring time due to the nasty weather up there this time of year?
#accountforallofthem