Bio

William H. Flannery was born June 30, 1922, in Geddes, South Dakota, to Albert and Nora Flannery. Before he entered the service, William was employed by the California Gas Company in Inglewood, California.On December 9, 1942, William Flannery entered active service at Fort MacArthur, California, where he entered training in the Air Corps. In early December of 1943, Aviation Cadet Flannery was awarded his wings and commission at Yuma Army Air Field, Yuma, Arizona. On July 2, 1944, Lt. Flannery was sent overseas to the European theater as part of the 749th Bomber Squadron, 457th Bomber Group, Heavy, 8th Air Force.On October 7, 1944, Lt. William Flannery was killed in action while on a bombing run over Germany. At first reported missing, Lt. Flannery was later confirmed to have died on October 7 in a message from the German government via the Red Cross.William Flannery is listed on the Tablets of the Missing at Netherlands American Cemetery, Margraten, Netherlands. He was awarded the Air Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters and the Purple Heart.After Action Report 8th Air Force: Plane 42-97638, Nicknamed "Follow Me," and piloted by Lt William H. Flannery, was hit by flak while in the vicinity of the target . They were flying lead in the low squadron. Engine #3 and #4 and #2 was hit and caught fire, the nose of the aircraft took a direct hit from flak. The flames trailed to the tail of the plane as it dived in an attempt to extinguish the flames. The plane crashed on an island across the Oder river from Politz. Lt Strosser parachuted safely but fractured his ankle on landing. The flaming plane crashed on an island in a river near Stettin Bay. 5 chuts were seen exiting the aircraft they also landed on this island.The crew was as follows:Plane s/n 42-97638 Nickname "Follow Me" Pilot Lt William H. Flannery KIACopilot Lt Jewell W. Lowery KIANavigator Lt Paul Moll, III POWNavigator 2 LT Morris Arnovitz POWNavigator 3 Lt Raymond G. Moon, Jr POWBombardier Lt John G. Schloendorn KIARadio Operator Sgt Duane E. Stowits KIAAircraft Engineer Sgt Lloyd K. Lagassa KIABall Turret Gunner Sgt George L. Petty POWTail Gunner Lt Walter C. Strosser POW