Richard Xavier Sheehan served in the 360th Bomber Squadron, 303rd Bomb Group, Heavy, as a Second Lieutenant and Co-Pilot of B-17F #42-5788 nicknamed 'Pluto's Avenger' and also known as 'A.O.G. Not in Stock,' during World War II.

On February 22, 1944, during Mission #111 to Aschersleben, Germany, B-17F #42-5788 Pluto's Avenger was attacked by German fighters. The aircraft remained in a controlled shallow dive with its #4 engine smoking before crashing near Duffel, 15 km southwest of Antwerp, Belgium. Tragically, four crew members died and six others became prisoners of war, while Major George Weinbrenner evaded capture and returned to the UK in September 1944.

2Lt Sheehan was captured and imprisoned at Stalag Luft I in Barth-Vogelsang, Prussia. Currently, we don't have details about his death and burial.

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