Roger J. Erickson was born on October 8, 1922, in North Hollywood, California. He served in the 602nd Bomber Squadron, 398th Bomb Group, as a Second Lieutenant and Flight Engineer/Top Turret Gunner 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.

2Lt Erickson is now buried in the Glen Haven Memorial Park, Sylmar, Los Angeles County, California, USA. Roger J. Erickson's name is inscribed on the Anstey Window Memorial in Panel 2 (center), on Butterfly 7, in the bottom right wing (section D).

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