Memorial

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Sgt Marshall S. Yorra graduated from Brookline High School in 1939. He was employed as a clerk at the Brookline Drug Company.

He enlisted in Utica, New York on 22 July 1942.

The crew had experienced engine trouble all the way in formation to the target. Just after bombs away at the target, he had to feather #3 engine, and after 5 minutes #4 engine had to be shut down due to loss of oil pressure. At this time the crew was under heavy attack by enemy Ju-88 fighters firing 20mm cannon and rockets at their plane which was taking a great deal of damage. The ship was put into a dive and sharp turns in attempts to avoid the attacking fighters, all to little avail. The Pilot chose to go back into the waist to check on reportedly injured gunners. He and the Ball Turret Gunner treated these other 3 gunners as best possible before the Pilot had to return to the flight deck and take over control of the plane again. At this time, altitude was around 12,000 feet, an altitude which could be maintened fairly well on the two remaining engines operating on the left wing due to the unneeded items that had been trown overboard. At around 8,000, the Pilot encountered an overcast and went on instruments, and all crew members had been alerted for ditchching and taking positions. When the plane broke out under the ragged overcast over the North Sea, only about 100 feet altitude remained above the water, just barely time enough for the aircraft to be turned in to the wind for ditching. The ditching went well enough initially but when the nose turret buried into the water the entire ship rose about 45 degrees, tail up, into the air and stopped immediately.