Memorial

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38th Ftr. Sqdn. Intelligence reported from various sources: "2nd Lt Elton S. Walters, hit by flak and exploded over Channel. Lt. Walters was hit by at least three salvos from three heavy guns over Ostend Airdrome at 1410 while flying at an altitude of 10,000 feet. He continued for 5 miles after being hit, losing altitude to 7,000 feet when he was ordered to turn toward land. A few minutes later, he said he'd have to bail out because it was getting too hot. Then his left engine caught fire. He made a steep turn to the right, and the aircraft exploded at 3,000 feet. Right afterwards, a dinghy appeared behind the airplane, empty."

Note from a squadron report: "Group CO made two 360-degree turns over Ostend and all hell broke loose from ack-ack. Pilots agreed we were providing target practice for the Germans over Ostend, and a miracle more were not hit. Pilots brooded about this unnecessary loss."

Capt Gerald F. Leinweber reported: "I was flying 2,000 feet above and 1,000 yards behind Lt Walters, and we were headed for Ostend. About 3 miles offshore, his right engine burst into flames, and the plane began to spin. Upon completion of one half turn, it disintegrated into 3 or 4 major parts, and a dinghy was seen in the water, but the pilot was not seen. Just prior to the right engine bursting into flames, the pilot called over the radio and said, 'I am going to have to leave it.' But no parachute was observed. It is my belief that the pilot was killed."