Alfred Bueffel was born on September 9, 1923, in Germany. He enlisted in the service on February 10, 1943. He served in the 600th Bomber Squadron, 398th Bomb Group, Heavy, as a Staff Sergeant and Ball Turret Gunner of B-17 #42-107191 nicknamed "Tomahawk Warrior" during World War II.

On August 12, 1944, Tomahawk Warrior embarked on its 25th combat mission, targeting sites in France. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft experienced mechanical issues, with two of its four engines catching fire. Despite the dire situation, the pilot managed to steer the failing bomber away from populated areas, ultimately crashing into a field at Lude Farm near Penn, Buckinghamshire. All nine crew members aboard perished in the crash.

SSgt Bueffel is now buried in the Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Arlington County, Virginia, USA. Alfred Bueffel's name is inscribed on the Anstey Window Memorial in Panel 2 (center), on Butterfly 5, in the top right wing (section B).

Source of information: www.forcesnews.com, www.americanairmuseum.com, www.398th.org