Donald James McCorkindale was born on June 10, 1922, in Odebolt, Sac County, Iowa. He was the son of James Kenna McCorkindale and Martha C. Johnson McCorkindale. He served in the 603rd Bomber Squadron, 398th Bomb Group, Heavy, as a Second Lieutenant and Co-Pilot of B-17 #42-107138 nicknamed ''Witka Tanka Ton'' during World War II.

On November 21, 1944, B-17G #42-107138 departed from Nuthampstead, England, for a bombing mission over Merseburg, Germany. After successfully releasing its bombs on target, the aircraft was attacked by German fighters. The assault caused severe damage to the No. 2 engine and struck the No. 4 engine as well, ultimately leading to the bomber crashing near Merseburg during the mission. Of the ten crew members aboard, seven were killed in action.

2Lt McCorkindale was Killed in Action and is now buried in the Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Long Beach, Los Angeles County, California, USA. Donald J. McCorkindale's name is inscribed on the Anstey Window Memorial in Panel 1 (left), on Butterfly 1, in the top left wing (section A).

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