Marion Lyle Canfield was born on June 14, 1924, in Coldwater, Comanche County, Kansas. He was the son of William R. Canfield and Laura Lorene Dunn Canfield. He entered the army in October 1943. Marion served in the 427th Bomber Squadron, 303rd Bomb Group, Heavy, as a Sergeant and a Ball Turret Gunner of the B-17 42-31060 'Pogue Ma Hone' during World War II.

On February 9, 1945, during Mission 313, two B-17 bombers from the 427th Bomb Squadron collided in mid-air over Lutzkendorf, Germany. B-17G #42-31060 "Pogue Ma Hone," piloted by 1Lt Alfred K. Nemer, was hit by flak, causing its right wing to strike the tail of B-17G #43-39149, piloted by 2Lt Robert J. Barrat. Barrat's plane broke apart, while Nemer’s B-17 descended 10,000 feet but remained somewhat under control despite two damaged engines. Unable to return to England, the crew aimed for Russian lines. After facing ice buildup, the crew bailed out over Jaraczewo, Poland. Three crew members were rescued by Russian troops, one was captured by the Germans, and the rest, including Sgt Marion L. Canfield, were killed in action.

Sgt Canfield is now buried in the Ardennes American Cemetery and Memorial, Neuville-en-Condroz, Arrondissement de Liège, Liège, Belgium.

Source of information: http://www.303rdbg.com/