B-17 aircraft #44-8265 served in the 570th Bomber Squadron, 390th Bomb Group, 8th Air Force. On February 14, 1945 it departed its base in southeastern England on a bombing mission over Central Germany. Members of his crew include Sergeant NOEL W. MCVAY 38522387, Harld R. Fredrick (Navigator), Edward J. Powers (Co Pilot), George D. Hitchcock (Pilot), AndrewM. Mezey (Bombardier), Raymond “NMI” Turner (Ball Turret) Walter M. Mayer (Radio), LeRoy W. Warwick (Engineer / top turret gunner) and Mittelstadter (Waist Gunner).  On February 14, 1945 while over the North Sea fire broke out in one engine and five of the crew members bailed out. The air Sea Rescue Squadron was notified of the position where the five men bailed out, but no trace of them was found. Twelve months and one day later, February 15, 1946, the War Department presumptive the men dead.