Memorial

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2nd Lt Jack T. Lancaster was an attendant at a filling station.

He joined the Air Corps of the U.S. Army Reserve at Jefferson Barracks, Missouri on 2 February 1943.

At approximately (5055N-1155E), 12 minutes before the briefed I.P. was reached, enemy aircraft made sudden attacks on the Group of which this aircraft was a member. The Squadron in which the aircraft was flying bore the brunt of the attacks. About 50 to 60 enemy aircraft comprised the attacking force. They were mostly FW-190´s although a few ME-109´s and ME-210's were observed. The attacks lasted for about 10 minutes and there were friendly fighters present, but not in sufficient numbers to give adequate protection.

This aircraft was last seen in the vicinity of the I.P. going down with its left wing on fire.

The aircraft was riddled by 30mm shells and was on fire immediately. The pilot and the co-pilot left the controls when they knew the situation was hopeless. They were unable to contact any other members of the crew due to the fire in the plane. The radio and the interphone were out. Before they could get the escape hatch open, the plane went into a spin.