Joseph Edward McGonagle was born on April 26, 1919 in Perry County, Ohio. He served in the 563rd Bomber Squadron, 388th Bomber Group, Heavy, as a Staff Sergeant and Radio Operator of #42-30340 "Screamin' Red Ass" aircraft during World War II. A member of the Amann crew, he was killed when their plane crashed on March 8, 1944. Their plane was attacked by Me 109's. When last seen the 3rd engine was feathered and both wings were badly shot-up. Very determined enemy fighter oposition, lasting from 1300 till 1345 was met on route to target. 30 to 50 mostly Fw 190's made these attacks mainly from the nose high in a trail of 10 to 12 aircrafts. They did this to confuse the gunners, as they did not knew which aircraft to fire at.

SSgt McGonagle is now buried in the Ardennes American Cemetery, Neupré, Belgium. He 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.

Source of information: www.findagrave.com, www.abmc.gov, www.fieldsofhonor-database.com