Arvid Mehtala (1943)
This crew of the 392 Bomber Group, 578th Squadron based in Wendling, England had only a few missions when they ditched their aircraft in the North Sea while on a mission to bomb the heavy water plant in Kjeller, Norway on November 18, 1943. All were listed as Killed In Action. Pictured is Arvid Mehtala (far right), from Arthyde in Aitkin County. This crew arrived in Wendling, England in September, 1943 and flew together in 5 combat missions and one diversion mission. There were other flying activities but were not combat or diversionary. One of the combat missions on October 30, 1943 seems to be undocumented on the b24.net site. The info from other sources is that it was classified. This B-24 aircraft was known as #42-7486 "THE SHARK" with the call sign"V-Bar".
Nearly 9,000 Americans who died during World War Two are remembered at Cambridge American Cemetery in England. Staff have found 3,000 photographs so far and are appealing to the public to help them find the remainder. The photo below is part of this effort. Click here to read more.