Memorial

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T/Sgt Cecil R. Boles was a driver before he enlisted in Los Angeles, California on 20 January 1943.

1st Lt Kennon B. Sorgenfrei:
On 30 June 1944, we were in formation to our target of Blechhammer, Germany. 2nd Lt Robert G. Evans was flying #3 position, Hugh box, second attack unit and I was flying #4 position in the same box. Near Lake Balaton, a weather front was encountered and we started to climb through the thin overcast, which became thicker as time progressed. The lead or rest of the formation could be seen at times. Finally we came out into an open space between two high banks of clouds. Five ships in our box were all the planes visible. About 50 ME 210’s were seen and they peeled off in waves of eight and came in firing. The box wasn’t very tight and #5 man was hit immediately and peeled down to the right. I dove into the clouds and the last I saw of Lt Evans, he was flying straight ahead on the left wing of the lead ship with enemy fighters around.

S/Sgt Robert Friedman:
Boles was wounded severely in the leg by a 20mm shell. When last seen by the Ball Turret Gunner, he appeared dazed and apparently unable to get out of the ship. None of us saw him on the ground or in the prison camp.