Samuel J. Shields was born on 7 April 1921 in Houston, Harris Co., Texa, to John Shields (1892-1958) and Jean (Saddle) Shields (1892-1985). A sister was Lily Smiley Shields (1918-1983). He completed training as a bombardier for the B-29 Superfortress and earned his commission and wings on 13 February 1943. On 14 October 1944, a B-29, # 42-680, "Klank-Klank," assigned to 20th Air Force, Dudhkundi, Indi, 444th Bomb Group, 678th Bomb Squadron, departed Kwanghang, China, on a bombing mission to Okaym, Taiwan, and was lost due to unknown reasons." All died in the crash of the B-29 Superfortress. 42-6280 was believed to have been seen when the formation was coming together at Sui-Ning (30-29 N— 105-36 E) at about 0700. The formation entered an overcast and 42-6280 was not seen again. B-29, 42-6202 landed at Liangshan, believes he heard 42-6280 calling Liangshan when 42-6202 was circling Liangshan before landing at about 1600. His remains, with the unidentifiable remains of the crew, were recovered from China and all were buried in a two-casket group ceremony in the Jefferson Barracks National Cemeter, Lemay, Missouri, on 29 November 1949.

2Lt Shields was one of over 2000 Americans who lost their lives defending China from their Japanese invaders from 1941-1945. He is commemorated on the The Monument to the Aviation Martyrs in the War of Resistance Against Japan in Nanjing, China.

Source of information: www.findagrave.com