World War II Honoree

John Berry Beard

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

Augusta, Arkansas

Honored By

Pat, John, Robert & Sam

Relationship

Wife & Sons

ASSIGNED DUTY AS A PILOT OF A B-26 BOMBER WITH THE 438TH BOMB SQUADRON, 319TH BOMB GROUP, 12TH AIR FORCE IN NORTH AFRICA. FLEW 10 MISSIONS WITH VARIOUS TARGETS, 5 OF WHICH WERE LISTED AS 'SEA SWEEP'. THESE MISSIONS WERE 'SEEK AND DESTROY' GERMAN CONVOYS THAT WERE TAKING SUPPLIES AND ARMS TO GERMAN FORCES UNDER THE COMMAND OF GENERAL ROMMEL. HIS AIRCRAFT WAS SHOT DOWN JUNE 18, 1943 OVER OLIBIA HARBOR, SICILY. CAPTURED AND CONFINED TO STALAG LUFT VII UNTIL LIBERATED AT THE END OF HOSTILITIES. AWARDED THE AIR MEDAL WITH 2 CLUSTERS AND PURPLE HEART.