Richard was sent overseas to the European Theater to North Africa in March, 1944. He was a ‘belly’ ball turret gunner in a B-17 bomber, one of the most dangerous positions on the aircraft.
Richard flew 30 missions. His unit was moved to newly liberated bases in Italy in May. He met up with his brother-in-law, Corporal Cotter, who was stationed in Italy on May 27th.
On May 29th on a mission over Austria, his bomber was heavily hit by flak (anti aircraft fire) and the aircraft exploded. Originally he was listed as missing. Of the 10 members of the crew who parachuted out of the burning aircraft, five were rescued by partisan forces, two were captured, and two were killed.
Richard’s fate was initially unknown. His wife received notice he was Missing In Action on June 10th. His status was changed to Killed In Action on October 10, 1944.
In June 1949, Richard and a fellow crew member were returned to their home country for burial at the Woodlawn National Cemetery in Elmira, New York. His former wife, Bette Hetherington of West Chester and her husband attended the services held on June 10, 1949. Richard was buried with full military honors.