Back Row L to R: Lt. R.G. Meridith, Lt. Gus Ebenstein, Lt. L.G. Peede, Lt. R.K. Cruze
Front Row L to R: Lt. B.H. Bradford. Lt. R.T. McBrien
On 18 July 1944, Lt. Raymond Cruze, with gunners Ssgt Samuel H. Geisy and Ssgt F.E. Cherry was assigned to a mission against Gles sur Risle railroad junnction in the Pontautou region of Normandy, France. The aircraft was badly damaged by flak over the target and was forced to ditch in the English Channel on the return. Air-Sea Rescue was available and all three crew members escaped from the plane, but Lt. Cruze and Ssgt Cherry drowned in the recovery attempt.
"Goin' Home" courtesy of the U.S. Air Force Band