Howard Francis Haley was born on September 15, 1923, in Michigan. He was the son of James William Haley. He served in the 36th Bomber Squadron, 801st Bomber Group, Heavy, as a Private and Gunner on the B-17 #42-50385 "Beast of Bourbon" during World War II.
On the 19th Feb 1945, their plane took off from USAAF Base Cheddington ST113 at 09:16 but just half a mile west of runway 26 due to weather conditions and instrument failure, the Liberator came down just missing a row of cottages in the village of Long Marston. The B24 had plowed through two hedges crossed Astrope Lane then took out two trees before coming to rest in the center of a field being used for cattle grazing. Onboard were ten crew members and an extra Navigator as it was his check ride! After the crash, Navigator 1Lt John D Howarth managed to get out and run but returned to get his buddies out, he knew it was very risky but had to do it, 7 minutes later the B24 was set on fire with 3 of the crew still trapped then perished in their plane.
Pvt Haley was Killed in Action in the crash. He is now buried in the Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota, USA.
Source of information: www.findagrave.com, www.usmilitariaforum.com