Memorial

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S/Sgt Edward C. Mc Carter graduated from Lexington High School in 1938.

He joined the Air Corps of the Regular Army in North Platte, Nebraska on 13 December 1940.

On the bomb run, the right engine of the aircraft was hit by flak. After dropping bombs over the target, a burst of flak hit under the left wing, tearing out the side of the bomb bay and splitting the wing gasoline tank. Gasoline flowed through the rear of the aircraft but did not burst into flames. The left engine was feathered after the gasoline tank was punctured by flak. The bombardier stated that the aircraft was about over front line. The aircraft was unable to hold altitude and as it came out under the clouds the pilot ordered the crew to bail out at an altitude of about 4500 ft.

Three crew members landed in enemy territory and were taken prisoner. The bombardier came down in no-mans land and evaded capture and the pilot bailed out behind allied lines. Sgt Mc Carter also bailed out safely and landed in enemy territory. He drowned attempting to cross the Roer River in an effort to reach allied lines.