Thomas Richard Sowell was born on April 25, 1920, in Arkansas. He was the son of James Richard Sowell and Vera Bell Cross Sowell. He was married to Virginia Marguerite Sowell. He served in the 510th Bomber Squadron, 351st Bomb Group, Heavy, as a Sergeant and Waist Gunner of B-17 #42-31763 nicknamed ''Ten Horsepower'' during World War II.

On February 20, 1944, the opening day of “Big Week” (Operation Argument), the B-17G Ten Horsepower departed RAF Polebrook for a deep-penetration mission to Leipzig. Over the target area, the bomber came under heavy attack from enemy fighters. A 20 mm burst killed the co-pilot, left the pilot gravely wounded and unconscious, and injured the radio operator, while the aircraft itself suffered severe structural damage. Even so, the crew managed to stabilize the Fortress and turn it back toward England. Once over home territory, the surviving crew members were ordered to bail out. The Navigator and Flight Engineer, however, chose to remain aboard with the stricken pilot and attempt a landing. Despite orders to abandon the effort, they refused to leave him behind. After two failed approaches, Ten Horsepower crashed on its third attempt near Polebrook, killing all three aboard.

Sgt Sowell survived the incident and successfully returned to duty. He ended his military service as a Master Sergeant. He died on July 7, 2002, and his remains were cremated.

Source of information: www.findagrave.com, www.thisdayinaviation.com