Memorial

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Sgt Noel W. McVay was a musician and played the violin, the piano and the clarinet. He had his own band before he enlisted in Shreveport, Louisiana, on 30 October 1943.

His daughter has never known her father.

Statement by Captain Kenneth J. Binder:
"A/C 265 left the 390-C Squadron formation on 14 February 1945 at 1145 hours, position (52°32'N - 03°36'E), when #2 engine, burning due to mechanical reasons, suddenly exploded. The 'prepare to bail out' signal was given and bail out bell rung at about 11,000 ft., when approximately 10 miles from enemy coast. Pilot took heading toward coast and Navigator started checking for French A/F. Pilot told Engineer to get out of cockpit and return to rear of ship with possibility of having given him impression to bail out immediately. Pilot told crew to hold jump until over land but believed Radio Operator, Engineer, Radar Operator, Ball Turret Gunner and Waist Gunner had already left ship. The A/C went into a slight dive to about 7,000 ft. which put the fire out. During the dive the men listed as 'Missing in Action': Radio Operator, Top Turret Gunner, Tail Gunner, Ball Turret Gunner and the Spot Jammer thus bailed out. Air/Sea rescue was notified of position of A/C by the pilot."

The A/C, with 5 crew members still onboard, then returned safely to base. The remaining crew, including Sgt McVay, were Missing in Action.

He is remembered at Arlington National Cemetery.