John Robert Modrovsky was born in 1924, in Coatesville, Chester County, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Amera Modrovsky. He was married to Marie Modrovsky. He served in the 765th Bomb Squadron, 461st Bomb Group, Heavy, as a Sergeant and Ball Turret Gunner of B-24J #42-52025 nicknamed “Arsenic and Lace” during World War II.

On December 17, 1944, the ''Arsenic and Lace'' took off from Torretta Airfield in Italy as part of a 15th Air Force mission to bomb the Odertal synthetic oil refinery in German-occupied Silesia. The formation was heavily engaged by German fighters near the target. At about 26,000 feet, Arsenic and Lace was hit and exploded in the air. Parts of the Liberator came down on the outskirts of Olomouc, in today’s Czech Republic, with wreckage falling by the Neředín Cemetery. Five of the crew of Arsenic and Lace were killed in action, while the rest were taken prisoner.

Sgt Modrovsky was captured and imprisoned at Stalag Luft in Barth, Germany, and later completed his military service as a Staff Sergeant. He went on to build a successful career as vice president of Apple Savings Bank in Manhattan, where he worked for over 20 years before retiring, and remained actively involved in veterans’ organizations. He died on April 19, 2014, and is now buried in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Arlington County, Virginia, USA.

Source of information: 461st.org, www.americanairmuseum.com, www.findagrave.com