World War II Honoree

Trafford L. Curry

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

Hollis, Oklahoma

Honored By

Vernell

Relationship

Sister

ASSIGNED FOR DUTY TO THE 351ST SQUADRON, 100TH BOMBARDMENT GROUP, 8TH AIR FORCE. HE WAS TRAINED IN MOST EXPERIMENTAL ASSIGNMENTS USED IN HIGH ALTITUDE FLYING; OXYGEN USE, BOMB SIGHTING, AND NAVIGATIONAL OPERATIONS. DURING 15TH MISSION ON BOMBING RUN TO CAUDRON RENAULT BALL BEARING FACTORY NEAR PARIS, AIRCRAFT WAS SHOT DOWN. HE OPENED BOMB BAY AND JUMPED THROUGH OIL AND FUEL FLAMES, CATCHING HIMSELF ON FIRE. HE WAS RESCUED BY THE FRENCH UNDERGROUND WHO RETURNED HIM TO ENGLAND AFTER 4 MONTH OF HIDING. HE WAS THE ONLY ONE OF HIS CREW THAT WAS NOT CAPTURED OF KILLED.