I have been working for over a year and a half at the New England Air Museum. Our crew is privileged to be restoring a Douglas A-26C Invader. This aircraft was assigned to the 416th Bomb Group and flew 38 combat missions in 1945. The airplane sat outside for over thirty years, ravaged by the weather, animals, and vandals. It was brought into the hanger and restoration began in 2003.

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While some parts can be restored, many must be made from scratch. Such was the case of the gunner's compartment window. I took on the task of making a new one. One of my co-workers told me to contact Mike, the business manager of a local plastics supply company. He said Mike might be able to supply us with a piece of plastic that could be molded to the proper shape.

My ears perked up when I was also told that a member of Mike's family had been a B-24 crewman. In an e-mail to Mike, I asked about this. He said that his uncle was killed in action over Europe in a B-24 but that he knew nothing else. I told him that an interest of mine is World War II research. I added that if he would like, I would see if I could find out more about his uncle. He said he would appreciate that. Mike's mom was only seven years old when her brother, James S. Brown, was killed, but she knew he was in a B-24 that flew out of England.

With such a common name to work with I was surprised success came so quickly. Within an hour I was writing an e-mail to Mike. His uncle James was the radio operator on the "Shack Rat", a B-24H in the 392nd Bomb Group. The entire crew of ten was lost on January 4, 1944 when they were shot down over the North Sea. I included the link to the group's website. Technical Sergeant James S. Brown made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. His sacrifice should never be forgotten. It was very rewarding to be able to give his family specific knowledge of their hero's service.

Rick Centore Author, Deadly Decision