Memorial

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Capt F. J. Boyer attended Curry High School and Burea Academy and was employed at Homestead Mfg. Co.

He volunteered for the Air Corps on 31 March 1941 and trained at Elgin Field, Florida. He received his wings at Marfa, Texas in August 1943.

Following statement made by 1st Lt John A. Zimmerman; About three to four minutes after the I.P we had another Combat Wing coming in to our left. After this Wing went in front of our Group, we were bothered by prop wash. The lead aircraft (B-17G, 42-97616) seemed to pass over on top of #2 (B-17G 42-97764) and at the same time both aircraft were apparently hit by prop-wash. Also it is believed that the two aircraft were attempting to change positions so that 97764 would have the lead. They collided with A/C 764 hitting the rear section of A/C 616. The rest of the formation banked to the left to avoid the two aircraft.

One of the planes with its tail off descended rapidly for approximately 3,000 feet and then disintegrated. Bombs were observed falling from this plane as apparently they had been salvoed. The other plane went into a vertical dive and disappeared into the clouds which were then at approximately 10,000 feet. The tail gunner on one of the planes (believed to have been 616) parachuted. In addition there were five other chutes observed.

Capt Boyer was initially buried at the cemetery of Sangerhausen.