Francis W. Flynn was born on November 24, 1922, in Dunkirk, Chautauqua County, New York. He was the son of Francis Patrick "Frank" Flynn and Mildred M. Bobst Flynn. He served in the 20th Bombardment Squadron, 2nd Bomber Group, as a First Lieutenant and Co-Pilot of B-17G #42-97159 nicknamed “Tail End Charlie” during World War II.

On August 29, 1944, the 15th Air Force launched Mission 263, a major raid against the Moravská Ostrava industrial complex in German-occupied Czechoslovakia. Flying from Amendola Air Base in Foggia, Italy, the 2nd Bomb Group took part in what became known as the Air Battle over the White Carpathians. During the attack, the formation was ambushed by nearly 90 German fighters, resulting in one of the group’s worst losses of the war. Within twenty minutes, eight of the nine B-17s from the 20th Bomb Squadron were shot down, crashing across Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Hungary. One of these aircraft was B-17G “Tail End Charlie” (42-97159), flying in the rear position of the formation where attacks were heaviest. After sustaining severe damage, the bomber fell from formation and crashed near Bojkovice or in the Přečkovice Woods in the Zlín region of Moravia. Two crewmen were killed, six were captured, and two evaded capture.

1Lt Flynn was captured and held as a prisoner of war at Stalag Luft 3 Sagan, Silesia, Bavaria. After the war, he worked as a metallurgist for AL Tech Specialty Steel Corporation in Dunkirk. He was active in several local organizations, including the Elks Lodge, Moose Lodge, and Shorewood Country Club. He died on July 9, 2010, and is now buried in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Arlington County, Virginia, USA.

Source of information: www.findagrave.com, b17flyingfortress.de