Memorial

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2nd Lt Robert E. McGuire graduated from Cathedral High School and Springfield Junior College and was employed in Chicago by the Carnegie Illinois Steel Company before he enlisted in the Army Air Corps in January 1943. He received his wings in February 1944 and had been on Combat duty in the European war zone since August 1944.

The aircraft left the formation at approximately 5350N-0820E at 1140 hours. No flak had been encountered up to this point, and the cause of leaving formation is unknown. The aircraft was under control when last observed. At 1459 hours, the MFDF section gave the aircraft's position at 5230N-0325E and stated that the aircraft was about to ditch. P-51s were sent to search the area. The search was unsuccessful and was terminated because of the darkness. Search was continued on the morning of 5 November 1944 due to a gale the night before. Eight Sterlings and four Warwicks continued the search, and at 5250N-0350E, wreckage and an empty dinghy were located with no sign of any personnel. However, there is nothing to confirm the fact that this wreckage was aircraft 42-32081.