Joseph B. Wilson, of Greggton, Texas, served in the 407th Bomber Squadron, 92nd Bomber Group, Heavy, as a Second Lieutenant and Bombardier on the B-17 #42-107012 during World War II.

On April 30, 1944, at 06:00h, his crew took off from Station 109 airfield in Podington, England, on a bombing mission to Lyon-Bron airfield in France. At 04:48 PM, their plane was shot down by six enemy fighters which knocked out the oxygen, completely destroyed the electrical system, and caused severe damage to the cockpit. The warning system was also knocked out, then the crew was advised to bail out. The plane crashed at a place called La Vacherie Le Luet in the commune of Neuvy-en-Sullias in France. Three crew members were able to bail out, but those who didn't make it perished in the incident. Of the three survivors, two were captured by the Germans (including 2Lt Wilson); the remaining one evaded the capture. 2Lt Wilson was taken to Stalag Luft III in Zagan, Poland.

Source of information: francecrashes39-45.net