Harry James Connolly was born on January 3, 1920, in Santa Cruz County, California. He was the son of William J. Connolly and Alice R. Kelch Connolly. He served in the 602nd Bomber Squadron, 398th Bomb Group, as a First Lieutenant and Pilot of B-17 #44-6519 during World War II.

On October 28, 1944, B-17G 44-6519 participated in a bombing mission targeting Münster, Germany. Shortly after releasing its bombs at approximately 14:30, the aircraft was struck by anti-aircraft flak. Witnesses reported that the aircraft entered a slight dive, and moments later, the tail section exploded near the waist door or slightly behind. The bomber crashed near Nienberge, northwest of Münster. Tragically, eight of the nine crew members were killed in action, and only one survived and was captured by German forces, becoming a prisoner of war.

1Lt Connolly was Killed in Action and is now buried in the Holy Cross Cemetery, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz County, California, USA. Harry J. Connolly's name is inscribed on the Anstey Window Memorial in Panel 2 (center), on Butterfly 11, in the top left wing (section A).

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