Kenneth Walter Schilling was born on August 1, 1918, in Tacoma, Washington. He was the son of Alice Angeline (Treffry) and Walter Scott Schelling.

On July 30, 1936, Kenneth enlisted in the United States Army and served until being discharged on October 1, 1937. Then on March 24, 1942, Kenneth again enlisted in the United States Army and served until December 11, 1942, being discharged as a Captain.

During World War II, he served in the 328th Bomber Squadron, 93rd Bomber Group, Heavy, as a Captain and Bombardier on the B-24 #42-100294 'Victory Belle.'

On June 24, 1944, the crew took off from Sation 104 airfield in Hardwick, England, on a bombing mission to Chateaudun and Toussus-le-Noble in France. At around 08:45h, their plane was shot by flak and crashed between Treon and Aunay-sous-Crecy. The airplane was partially evacuated by the members at 21,000 feet before the in-flight explosion. Five members were killed in this incident, two survivors were captured by the Germans, while four evaded the capture (including Cpt Schilling). He was one of the 152 allied airmen and soldiers who were helped and hidden in the Freteval Forest camp by the French Resistance to evade German capture.

Kenneth remained a resident of Washington until, at the age of 74, he passed away on March 23, 1993. He is buried in the Washington Veterans Home Cemetery at Retsil, Washington.

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