Memorial

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Sgt James L. Lazarakis graduated from Lowell High School with the class of 1943.

He was a smith before he enlisted at Fort Devens, Massachusetts, on 10 May 1943.

2nd Lt August J. Horvath:
"On 23 February 1945, I was flying as Pilot of Airplane Number 44-49393 in number five position of Baker Box on a bombing mission to Bruck, Austria. When, over the target, just after bombs away, I saw airplane number 44-49838, flying the Number four position of Baker Box, piloted by 1st Lt Robert G. Ware, receive a direct hit in the bomb bay by anti-aircraft fire. The airplane immediately burst into flames around the bomb bay area. Next, I saw two men jump from the rear escape hatch, followed by the dinghy radio, then another man. At the time I saw the men, they had not opened their parachutes. The airplane continued with the formation for a few seconds, as though the Pilot did not know his aircraft was on fire, then slid off on one wing and passed under the formation. From my position, I was unable to see any further developments."