Branch of Service
U.S. Army Air Force
Hometown
El Paso, Texas
Honored By
94th Bomb Group Association
TRAINED AS A NAVIGATOR, HE WAS BASED IN ENGLAND, ATTACHED TO THE 331ST BOMB SQUADRON OF THE 94TH BOMB GROUP. BEFORE BAILING FROM HIS FLAMING B-17 OVER NORTHERN FRANCE, HE SMASHED CRITICAL NAVIGATIONAL GEAR TO KEEP IT FROM ENEMY HANDS THEN LEAPT OUT, BUT HIS CHUTE FAILED TO OPEN. FOR HIS VALOR AND BRAVERY, HE WAS AWARDED THE PURPLE HEART.