LeRoy Daniel Kucharski was born on September 23, 1925, in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin. He was the son of Lerry and Regina Kucharski. He served in the 603rd Bomber Squadron, 398th Bomb Group, Heavy, as a Staff Sergeant and Waist Gunner of B-17 #42-102562 nicknamed ''Knockout'' during World War II.

On November 2, 1944, "Knock Out" participated in a bombing mission targeting the synthetic oil plant in Merseburg, Germany—a heavily defended site. After completing the bombing run, the formation was attacked by German fighter aircraft. "Knock Out" sustained critical damage during this engagement and crashed near Polleben, close to Halle, Germany. Tragically, five crew members were killed in action while the remaining four survived and were captured by German forces, becoming prisoners of war.

SSgt Kucharski was Killed in Action and is now buried in the Saint Adalbert's Cemetery, Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, USA. Leroy D. Kucharski's name is inscribed on the Anstey Window Memorial in Panel 1 (left), on Butterfly 2, in the top right wing (section B).

Source of information: B-17flyingfortress.de, www.americanairmuseum.com, www.398th.org