Memorial

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Sgt Howard Shonfield was a machinist before he volunteered for the Army of the United States in Boston, Massachusetts on 27 December 1941.

S/Sgt William W. Skinner:
"I was left waist gunner on Capt Steven’s plane 6 December 1944. I saw 4 enemy fighters (ME-109’s) attack Lt Stevens plane at 0600 level. Then #3 engine of Lt Steven's plane caught fire and I saw 2 chutes come out of his plane, then the plane went into a dive and spun for about 1000 to 3000 feet. Then I saw 2 more chutes leave the plane, and then the plane exploded."

2nd Lt Thomas S. Thomas III:
"Probably stayed in turret, ship blew up before he could get out."

After the war, his crewmate, Sgt William L. McLaughlin, recommended Sgt Schonfield for the posthumous award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. While the plane was badly damaged and the order to bail out was given, Sgt Schonfield, Sgt Roslefske and Sgt Penman, who was already recommended for the Distinguished Service Cross, gave first aid to and fastened the parachute of Sgt Cavello, the radio operator, who was wounded, before pushing him out. By the time the wounded man was pushed to safety, it was too late to jump and the damaged B-24 blew up, killing Penman and Roslefske. Sgt Schonfield was killed by enemy fire just before the explosion.