Memorial

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1st Lt William E. Dow graduated from Paragon High School in 1939.

He enlisted on 7 July 1942.

Statement of Donald E. Sheperd:
"I was flying as co-pilot in the aircraft leading the flight. The lost aircraft was flying on our left wing. I first observed Lt. Dow's aircraft as we turned off the target, and his plane came directly under ours. The plane was in a steep dive, and smoke was coming from its tail. Later, I saw flames come out of the left side of the plane. At the same time, I saw one chute leave the aircraft and blossom out. Diving earthward, the plane made a shallow turn to the left and hit in the center of a small town. The aircraft exploded immediately upon hitting the ground."

The plane received a direct hit from anti-aircraft fire and crashed into a house at Muhlanger, 1 mile southeast of Wittenberg. In December 1948, the wreckage was located; however, no trace could be found of the remains of the deceased crew members. It is believed that their remains were destroyed by the ensuing fire since the plane and the house burned completely.

1st Lt William E. Dow is remembered at the Friendship Park Cemetery in Paragon, Morgan County, Indiana.