Benjamin Ellsworth Cantwell was born on September 20, 1920, in Oak Orchard, Frederick County, Maryland. He was the son of Howard Wesley Cantwell Sr. and Anna K. Miller Cantwell. He worked briefly as a research chemist in Baltimore before entering military service. He served in the 352nd Bomber Squadron, 301st Bomber Group, Heavy, as a First Lieutenant and Radar Operator of B-17G #42-97728 nicknamed ''None'' during World War II.

On November 15, 1944, the B-17G “None” took off for a bombing mission targeting Linz, Austria. During its return flight to Foggia, Italy, the aircraft encountered severe weather conditions and engine trouble while crossing the Alps. Around 10:42 local time, the crew issued a Mayday distress call, highlighting the worsening situation. As the bomber struggled to stay aloft, two crew members were able to bail out, while the aircraft ultimately crashed near Kleinsölk, southeast of Salzburg. Of the ten crew members, eight lost their lives, and the two survivors became prisoners of war. The wreckage remained undiscovered for decades until it was finally located in 2004.

1Lt Cantwell was Killed in Action and is now buried in the Lorraine American Cemetery and Memorial, Saint-Avold, Departement de la Moselle, Lorraine, France. He also has a cenotaph in the Linganore Cemetery, Unionville, Frederick County, Maryland, USA.

Source of information: B17flyingfortress.de, B-17 Missing Aircraft Project – MACR Database