World War II Honoree

Michael F. O'Shea

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

Wading River, New York

Honored By

George Weck

Relationship

Friend

PROUDLY SERVED AS A FIRST LIEUTENANT WITH THE 8TH AIR FORCE, 351ST BOMB GROUP, NAVIGATOR ON B-17 BOMBER. WHILE FLYING FROM ENGLAND WAS SHOT DOWN AND BAILED OUT TWICE. CAPTURED IN GERMANY AFTER 24TH MISSION. ENDURED SPINAL INJURY WHEN SHOT DOWN AND SUBSEQUENT TUBERCULOSIS WHICH CAUSED TOTAL DISABILITY EVER SINCE. PRISONER OF WAR FOR SEVEN AND ONE HALF MONTHS OF SEVERE CONDITIONS WHICH CAUSED MANY YEARS OF RECUPERATION IN ARMY AND VETERANS HOSPITALS UPON RELEASE AS A PRISONER OF WAR. LIBERATED BY GENERAL GEORGE PATTON'S THIRD ARMY APRIL 29, 1945. WAS HONORABLY DISCHARGED MAY 30, 1946.