Memorial

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S/Sgt Reilgh G. Wright was a kitchen worker before he enlisted in Kalamazoo, Michigan on 18 February 1943.

2nd Lt William V. Tobin:
"Lt Thompson crew #302 was flying B-24H 41-78839. Lt Thompson was leading the low box of the first attack unit. I was flying in No.2 position of the same box. As we came on the bomb run a formation of enemy fighters attached our box from about the same altitude or slightly above that of our box. The main attack seemed to be directed at the lead plane which was Lt Thompson. His plane was raked from nose to tail by enemy fighters, the right fin and rudder was knocked off of his plane by a direct hit. The plane fell off to the left but immediately came back into level flight. Lt Thompson remained in the lead for a few seconds than slowly dropped back through the formation still in level flight and under perfect control. At that time we moved into the lead box and I saw no more of him."

Alexander J. Rukowicz
I believe the plane exploded before he could get out.