William Robert Newell entered the military service in Illinois. He served in the 552nd Bomber Squadron, 386th Bomber Group, Medium, as a Sergeant and Turret Gunner on the B-26 Marauder #41-34987 "Danny Boy II" [RG*K] during World War II.

On September 27, 1943, his plane took off from Station 164 airfield at Great Dunmow, England on a mission to bomb the German airfield at Conches, France. en-route to the target, the aircraft took a direct hit on the left engine at 12,000 feet from a flak at 5:30PM. The aircraft crashed and burned about 10 miles north-east of Fecamp, France. Unfortunately, all men aboard were killed in the crash.

TSgt Newell is now buried in the Normandy American Cemetery, Colleville-sur-Mer, France.

Source of information: www.findagrave.com, francecrashes39-45.net, www.americanairmuseum.com