Byron O. Young was born on January 3, 1923, in Minnesota. He was the son of George A. Young and Louise R. Young. He enlisted in the service on November 18, 1942. He served in the 602nd Bomber Squadron, 398th Bomb Group, as a Staff Sergeant and Tail Gunner of B-17 #42-97266 nicknamed ''Godfather's Inc.'' during World War II.

On April 25, 1945, Godfathers Inc. embarked on its 36th combat mission, targeting the Škoda Armament Works in Pilsen, Czechoslovakia—a significant producer of weapons for the German military. During the bombing run, the aircraft was struck by anti-aircraft fire (flak), resulting in the failure of engine number two. The damage forced the crew to abandon the aircraft, which ultimately crashed near Litice, close to Pilsen. Three of the eight crew members survived by parachuting out while the remaining were Killed in Action.

SSgt Young was Killed in Action and is now buried in the Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota, USA. Byron O. Young's name is inscribed on the Anstey Window Memorial in Panel 2 (center), on Butterfly 8, in the bottom left wing (section C).

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