Ralph Warren Fleming was born on October 24, 1923, in Rockingham County, Virginia. He was the son of Roy Fleming and Pearl Rozine Skelton Fleming. He served in the 787th Bomber Squadron, 466th Bomber Group, Heavy, as a Sergeant and Ball Turret Gunner on the B-24 #42-95084 “Bird Dog” during World War II.

On the morning of July 13, 1944, a B-24H Liberator nicknamed Bird Dog departed RAF Attlebridge in Norfolk, England, on a combat mission targeting Saarbrücken, Germany. Commanded by Second Lieutenant Adam E. Wunderlich, the bomber was carrying twelve 500-pound bombs intended for the assigned target. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft encountered difficulties while climbing away from the airfield under unfavorable weather conditions. Historical accounts indicate that the area was affected by mist, extensive cloud cover at approximately 3,000 feet, and visibility reportedly reduced to less than one mile. During its initial climb, the Liberator apparently experienced engine trouble, and an eyewitness reported seeing one of its wings engulfed in flames as the aircraft descended toward the marshland near Low Farm in Tunstall, within the parish of Halvergate, Norfolk. Unable to maintain controlled flight, Bird Dog crashed into the marshy terrain before reaching its intended target. The impact completely destroyed the bomber and resulted in the deaths of its crew members. Although investigators considered the possibility of an engine fire or a loss of control during instrument flying, the exact cause of the accident could not be conclusively determined. Despite the severity of the crash, the aircraft's entire bomb load of twelve 500-pound bombs remained unexploded upon impact, leaving a significant hazard at the wreckage site.

Sgt Fleming is now buried in the Woodbine Cemetery, Harrisonburg, City of Harrisonburg, Virginia, USA.

Sources of information: www.findagrave.com, historicengland.org.uk