Branch Heard “Jack” Henard Jr. was born on February 10, 1917, in Hopkinsville, Christian County, Kentucky. He was the son of Branch Heard Henard Sr. and Bessie Richards Henard. he was married to Jean S. Henard. He graduated from Western Kentucky University in 1938 and was admitted to the Kentucky Bar in 1939. He later received his LLB degree from the University of Kentucky School of Law in 1940. During his studies, he was a member of the Phi Alpha Delta fraternity and the honorary Order of the Coif. He served in the 702nd Bomber Squadron, 445th Bomber Group, Heavy, as a Second Lieutenant and Radar Operator of B-24 #42-50961 during World War II.

On September 27, 1944, B-24 Liberator #42-50961 was lost during the catastrophic Kassel mission over Germany. The aircraft departed RAF Tibenham as part of the 445th’s formation assigned to bomb the Henschel armored vehicle and industrial works at Kassel. During the approach to the target, navigational problems caused the 445th Bomb Group to drift away from the main bomber stream and lose the protection of its long-range fighter escort. After completing the bombing run and turning for home, the isolated bombers were intercepted by large formations of German fighters, including Fw 190s and Bf 109s. Repeated, close-range attacks devastated the formation over central Germany, particularly around the Werra Valley region. B-24 #42-50961 was among the Liberators destroyed in the intense aerial battle and crashed in Germany. Ten of the 12 crew members survived by parachuting near Bad Hersfeld, Germany.

2Lt Henard successfully bailed out and was captured by German forces, becoming a prisoner of war at Stalag Luft 1 Barth-Vogelsang, Prussia. After the war, he served as city prosecutor of Hopkinsville for 24 years, retiring from the elected position in 1965, after which he continued practicing law privately. From 1964 to 1965, he served as president of the Christian County Bar Association and was also a member of the Kentucky and American Bar Associations. He was active in the First United Methodist Church and was a charter member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 1913 in Hopkinsville. He died on February 13, 1972, and is now buried in the Riverside Cemetery, Hopkinsville, Christian County, Kentucky, USA.

Source of information: www.findagrave.com, www.rafb24.com