1st Lt. William Brewster Jones

(June 16, 1944) -- 1st Lt.. William Brewster Jones, 26, died over Europe on May 27, 1944.

Here is the account, according to Web Birds:

Taking off at 1903 hours, the lead ship, piloted by Capt. Dunbar, was hit by the last ship in a formation of P-51's passing over the field, and both ships crashed and burst into flames.

Accounts by the first arrivals on the scene of the crash vary, and the sole survivor of the accident, S/Sgt. Mattei, Capt. Dunbar's turret gunner, is not unnaturally confused about what happened after the crash. He was badly burned while attempting to get Captain Dunbar out of the cockpit of the flaming plane.

It is believed that Capt. Dunbar, his bombagator, Lt. Merrill, and Lt. William B. Jones, the Group Photographic Officer, who was flying as tunnel gunner, were killed by the crash.

Mrs. Elizabeth Ann Everitt, housewife from nearby Paddle Wharf Farm, and a passing cyclist, Sgt. John P. Hartman of the 78th Fighter Group, were killed in the explosion of bombs in the wreckage as they sought to extricate members of the crew.

1st Lt. William B. Jones, U.S. Army Air Forces, serial No. O-581917, served in the Headquarters, 409th Bomber Group, Light.

He entered the service from New Jersey. Jones enlisted 15 months before Pearl Harbor was attacked by Japan.

He attended AAF Intelligence School in Harrisburg, Pa., specializing in photo interpretation.

The Army Intelligence Officer went overseas in February.

Jones was a graduate of the Belleville High School Class of 1936. He competed regionally with the rowing club.

He is buried at: Plot E, Row 6, Grave 112, Cambridge American Cemetery
Cambridge, England.

His grandfather, an architect, drew plans for the Belleville Town Hall, public library and high school.

Sources

American Battle Monuments Commission

Belleville Sons Honor Roll

  A Place of Honor and Remembrance In the Home of the Brave

World War II