Memorial

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FO Warren E. De Vilbiss graduated from Cleveland Heights High School and attended Ohio State University.

He enlisted from Patterson Field, Fairfield, Ohio, on 11 July 1942.

A/C exploded due to engine trouble. Three crew members bailed out and were captured, the remaining 7 crew members were KIA.
Statement by T/Sgt William Rightmire:
"I, the undersigned, was flying as top turret gunner on aircraft #470 of the 342nd Bomb Squadron, when I saw A/C #319 pull out of formation. Before the A/C left formation, I saw gas flowing back over the left wing from #2 engine. The pilot feathered #2 engine and pulled out of formation. He gradually fell behind and was loosing altitude. The next thing I saw was smoke coming out #2 engine, and then the A/C turned as if it was going to return to base. While it was turning, it exploded.
Several minutes later, I saw three chutes about 2,000 feet behind and slightly below where the aircraft exploded. All chutes had opened, and seemed in very good shape. All this happened after bombs away. The A/C was not hit by flak, as there was none over the entire area, and no enemy aircraft were in the vicinity. My estimate as to the probable cause is that either a gas cap came loose, or the fuel line broke at the engine and sparks from the superchargers or heat from the cylinders caused the combustion."