Mark Evan Imlay was born on July 3, 1921, in Hurricane, Washington County, Utah. He was the son of James Wilson Imlay and Ada Harrison Spendlove Imlay. He worked as a machinist before enlisting in the service on October 23, 1940. He served in the 352nd Bomber Squadron, 301st Bomber Group, Heavy, as a Staff Sergeant and Waist Gunner 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.
SSgt Imlay was Killed in Action and is now buried in the Lorraine American Cemetery and Memorial, Saint-Avold, Departement de la Moselle, Lorraine, France.
Source of information: B17flyingfortress.de, B-17 Missing Aircraft Project – MACR Database