Memorial

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Chester M. Swisher entered the service September 5, 1942 and was commissioned in the photographic division of the Air Forces in December of that year. In the spring of 1943, he transferred to pilot training and was awarded his wings December 5, 1943, at Stuttgard Field in Arkansas. After a 15-day leave at his home, he returned to combat school at Peterson Field, Colorado Springs, Colo., and went overseas in May of 1944.
A graduate of the Sonestown High School and Pennsylvania State College, class of '41, he taught agriculture and economics in the Covington High School before his enlistment.

The other group's lead ship (a Pathfinder supplied by the 389th BG) for the 453rd was hit by flak. Out of control that ship began to fly aimlessly across the path of the 492nd. O'Sullivan put his craft into a deep dive to avoid being ran into. Just after the near-miss with O'Sullivan it collided with 2nd Lt. Swishers ship. The wing was sheared off. The plane stayed level for a moment, then suddenly broke into many pieces which went flying off in many directions at once. The only survivor from the plane was the bombardier.