A mystery ends: US pilot identified nearly 80 years after WWII crash
Nearly eight decades after the tumultuous events of World War II, advancements in forensic science and relentless investigative efforts have led to the identification and repatriation of several U.S. pilots who were previously unaccounted for following WWII crashes. These developments not only provide closure to the families but also honor the sacrifices made by these servicemen.
Second Lieutenant David M. Lewis: The Ploiești Mission
On August 1, 1943, U.S. Army Air Force 2nd Lt. David M. Lewis, a 20-year-old from Dallas, Texas, participated in Operation Tidal Wave, a daring low-altitude bombing mission targeting oil refineries in Ploiești, Romania. Flying his B-24 Liberator bomber, Lewis and his crew faced intense anti-aircraft fire. His aircraft was hit and crashed, leading to his death. Despite recovery efforts post-war, Lewis’s remains were not identified at the time and were interred as unknowns in the Hero Section of the Civilian and Military Cemetery of Bolovan in Ploiești.
In 2017, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) exhumed these unknown remains for analysis. Through dental and anthropological examinations, along with mitochondrial DNA analysis, scientists successfully identified the remains as those of 2nd Lieutenant Lewis. His identification underscores the enduring commitment to accounting for missing servicemen.
Second Lieutenant Gilbert Haldeen Myers: The Sciacca Aerodrome Raid
On July 10, 1943, 2nd Lieutenant Gilbert Haldeen Myers served as the co-pilot of a B-25 Mitchell bomber during a mission targeting the Sciacca Aerodrome in Sicily, Italy. His aircraft was downed, and despite search efforts in 1947, Myers was declared non-recoverable. Decades later, in 2022, forensic experts from Cranfield University’s Recovery and Identification of Conflict Casualties team collaborated with the DPAA to investigate the crash site near Sciacca. Their meticulous work led to the recovery and identification of Myers’s remains, providing long-awaited closure to his family.
First Lieutenant Daniel Winstead Corson: The Romilly-sur-Seine Raid
First Lt. Daniel Winstead Corson, hailing from Middletown, Ohio, co-piloted a B-17F “Flying Fortress” during a bombing raid on a German aircraft factory in Romilly-sur-Seine, France, on December 20, 1942. His plane was shot down, and he was declared missing in action. In 2023, the DPAA identified remains recovered from the crash site as those of Corson, highlighting the ongoing efforts to account for missing WWII servicemen.
Lieutenant William B. Montgomery: A Hero’s Sacrifice
In the summer of 1944, Lt. William B. Montgomery, a 24-year-old from Ford City, Pennsylvania, piloted a B-24H Liberator bomber on a mission over Germany. His aircraft sustained heavy damage from enemy fire, but his piloting skills enabled seven crew members to parachute to safety. Montgomery and two others remained on board, and the plane ultimately crashed. Initial recovery efforts in 1947 were unsuccessful, and Montgomery was declared non-recoverable in 1950.
Renewed efforts in 2017 and 2019 by the DPAA, including excavations at the crash site, led to the recovery of human remains. Through dental and anthropological analysis, along with mitochondrial DNA testing, the remains were identified as those of Lt. Montgomery. His bravery and sacrifice were finally honored, providing solace to his descendants.
Staff Sergeant Yuen Hop: The Battle of the Bulge
Staff Sgt. Yuen Hop, a 20-year-old waist gunner from San Francisco, served aboard a B-17G Flying Fortress during a mission supporting the Battle of the Bulge on December 29, 1944. His aircraft was hit by enemy fire, leading to a crash. Five crew members were captured, one was found deceased, and three, including Hop, were unaccounted for.
In 2013, researchers uncovered documents indicating that Hop had been captured and killed by German SS troops near Kamp-Bornhofen. Excavations between 2021 and 2022 in the Kamp-Bornhofen Cemetery led to the recovery of remains later identified as Hop’s. In January 2025, his remains were returned to San Francisco, where he received a burial with full military honors, finally bringing closure to his family after 80 years.
The Role of Modern Forensic Science
The identification of these pilots after nearly 80 years underscores the significant advancements in forensic science, particularly in DNA analysis. The DPAA employs cutting-edge techniques, including mitochondrial DNA analysis, to match recovered remains with surviving family members. Collaborations with international organizations and local researchers have been pivotal in locating and excavating crash sites, often in challenging terrains.
The Impact on Families and Communities
The prolonged uncertainty faced by the families of missing servicemen has profound emotional impacts. The recent identifications have provided long-awaited closure, allowing families to honor their loved ones properly. Communities have also played vital roles, offering support and participating in memorial services, reflecting a collective acknowledgment of the sacrifices made.
Conclusion
The nearly eight-decade-long journey to identify and repatriate U.S. pilots lost in WWII crashes exemplifies a nation’s unwavering commitment to its fallen heroes. Through relentless efforts, advanced forensic methodologies, and international cooperation, these servicemen have finally been accorded the honor and remembrance they deserve. Their stories serve as enduring reminders of bravery and the enduring quest for closure and justice.
