Many years ago, on a starry night
Peter Val Preda, in "Little Lulu" -
a B24, took to flight.

Over the sea, and over the land,
Through the darkness
He bravely flew his gallant band.

Through triple-A, and tracers hissing,
"Little Lulu" - shot down
The crew listed as "missing".

Plane-watchers we, looked for his return.
For hours we hoped...
Tears, our eyes, beginning to burn.

Many years later,
Through the Internet, I found.
Peter had parachuted safely to the ground.

In a PoW camp he had lain,
Until at war's end - freedom,
Back home again!

I learned this all, much too late.
Peter, losing to cancer,
Had been his fate.

The 19th of June, when he flew away
I will forever recall
On Veterans' Day.

— Peter Mills

This poetic tribute to Peter Val Preda was sent to us by Peter Mills on July 5, 2010.

The Val Preda Crew 601 was shot down on 20 Jun 44 on their 8th mission (the 492nd's 34th mission) to Politz, Germany. Four crewmen were KIA, 7 taken POW.

Here's a direct link to the Val Preda Crew 601 page