World War II Honoree

Francis I. Cervantes

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

New Orleans, Louisiana

Honored By

Frank Cervantes

Relationship

Son

NAVIGATOR ON A B-24 LIBERATOR WITH THE 492ND BOMB GROUP. THIS WAS AN OFFICE OF STRATEGIC SERVICES UNIT ASSIGNED TO DELIVER SPIES AND ARMAMENTS TO THE UNDERGROUND RESISTANCE IN FRANCE, NORWAY, HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. AFTER THE LIBERATION OF FRANCE, HIS CREW VOLUNTEERED TO DO THE SAME MISSIONS IN YUGOSLAVIA. HIS AIRCRAFT EXPLODED OVER PRESENT DAY CROATIA WHILE EN ROUTE TO DELIVER SUPPLIES TO THE YUGOSLAV RESISTANCE. ALL HANDS ON BOARD WERE KILLED. HE LEFT A WIFE AND A THREE WEEK OLD SON.