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Capt. William E. Friend Jr. graduated from Culver Military Academyin 1936 and De Pauw University.

He was commissioned a second lieutenant in the infantry in October 1939. He enlisted as an aviation cadet in July 1941, and received his commission as an air corps pilot in February 1942. Upon his arrival in England he was promoted to captain.

Perhaps Capt. Friend's services are best described by Gen. H. H. Arnold as follows: ".... Word has come to me that his fine education at Culver Military Academy.... was an asset which Capt. Friend utilized to an advantage in most successfully completing his training....As a brave officer and skillful airman who was devoted to duty, he welcomed difficult assignments that required iniative and sound judgment and accomplished them in an excellent manner...."
At Culver Capt. Friend was very active in company and corps affairs, graduating with the cadet commission of lieutenant. His father was formerly a member of the staff at Culver.

At 0954 hours, the formation leader decided it was unwise to continue under the adverse weather conditions and a wide turn was executed at 21,000 feet and the formation headed for base. Suddenly four or five FW 150´s appeared out of the clouds to attack the group. The pilot, Capt. Friend, having lagged slightly on the homeward turn was immediately attacked by an FW 190 coming in on a steep dive at about 3 o´clock. The #3 engine was hit, caught fire and they left the formation apparently under control. Meanwhile two or three other attacks were made on him and the next time he was observed, fire was enveloping his aircraft along the fuselage to the tail. Seven parachutes were seen to leave the ship at this point. The only other information that his group had had on this crew is that 2nd Lt Frederick, Bombardier of the crew, was washed ashore, dead. This information was from the German Official Report, 17 July 1943 to the International Red Cross.

The entire crew of nine was killed. Eight of them are listed on the Walls of the Missing and only 2nd Lt Frederick is buried at Margraten.

Before crashing, the pilot released some of the bombs trying to safe the plane and its crew. Unfortunately five bombs hit the town Brielle, The Netherlands, killing 22 civilians.