Ernest P. Ward was born on March 16, 1920. He was married to Lucy Jane Hurd Ward. He enlisted in the service on June 26, 1941. He served in the 14th Troop Carrier Squadron, 61st Troop Carrier Group, as a Technical Sergeant and Crew Chief of B-24 42-7609 nicknamed ''Lazy Lou''.

On December 18, 1944, the B-24 Liberator “Lazy Lou” (42-7609) of the 61st Troop Carrier Group, 14th Troop Carrier Squadron, took off from RAF Barkston Heath when it collided mid-air with a C-109 over Carlton Scroop. The collision destroyed its rear control surfaces and disabled engines on the left wing. Despite heavy damage, the crew managed to regain limited control and attempted to reach RAF Cranwell for an emergency landing. With only two engines functioning, the aircraft struggled to maintain altitude and crash-landed in a field between High Wood, North Rauceby, and the A17 road, just short of the airfield. Two of the crew were killed, three survived, and their Dalmatian mascot, “Major Jerry,” who had accompanied them throughout their missions, was mortally injured in the crash.

TSgt Ward survived the collision. After the war, he graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in Architectural Engineering. He founded his own architectural firm in 1952, becoming the state president of the American Institute of Architects. His notable works included churches, Consumers Markets, and the Highland Springs Country Club Clubhouse. Ward was active in the Central Christian Church, Elks Lodge #409, and the Springfield Host Lions Club. He died on February 16, 2004, and is now buried in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery at Springfield, Springfield, Greene County, Missouri, USA.

Source of information: www.findagrave.com, www.americanairmuseum.com, www.loveden.org.uk