Raymond C. “Ray” Estle was born on July 5, 1918, to Harry Cecil Estle and Theresa Barbara Estle. He entered the Air Corps in January of 1942, and did much of his training in Utah and Idaho, and was overseas by April of 1943.

1LT Estle died of his wounds on July 2, 1944, after returning from a bomber mission over Germany while serving as a Pilot on a B-17G aircraft flying with the 337th Bomber Squadron of the 96th Bomber Group, Heavy, 8th Air Force. This was his 14th and final mission. At the time, the 96th was flying out of Snetterton Heath, England, and its Commander was Colonel Robert W. Warren. 1LT Estle is now buried in the Fort McPherson National Cemetery, Maxwell, Lincoln County, Nebraska, USA.

Source of information: www.findagrave.com