Memorial

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2nd Lt Dwight K. Booth volunteered for the Air Corps of the U.S. Army in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on 15 December 1942.

He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in San Antonio, Texas, in 1942 and attended Texas A&M College.

He received his wings at Altus Army Air Field in September, 1944. He was sent overseas in January, 1945.

Statement of Donald E. SHEPHERD, O-704507, 1st Lt., 450th Bomb Squadron:
"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 blessom 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 antiaircraft fire and crashed into a house at Muhlanger, 1 mile south east of Wittenberg. In December 1948 the wreckage could be located, however no trace could be found of the remains of the deceased crew members. It is believed that their remains were totally destroyed by the ensuing fire since the plane and the house burned completely.

2nd Lt Booth is remembered with a memorial marker at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.

On the second photo he poses with his father, who also served during the war.