Joseph James Kapec was born on February 11, 1911 in Braddock, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. He served in the 561st Bomber Squadron, 388th Bomber Group, Heavy as a Staff Sergeant and waist gunner of #42-30207 "Big Red" aircraft during World War II. He was Killed in Action on March 27, 1944 and is now buried in the Brittany American Cemetery, Montjoie Saint Martin, France. Ssgt Kapec was one of the many brave Americans of the 388th Bomber Group who lost their lives in aerial operations against the German forces from June 1943 - August 1945.