William C. Burton served in the 780th Bomber Squadron, 465th Bomber Group, Heavy, as a Technical Sergeant and Radio Operator of B-24 #42-78308 during World War II.

On August 3, 1944, the B-24 Liberator 42-78308 took part in a major bombing mission over Austria. As the formation passed through the heavily defended Tyrol region it was met by intense German resistance, including heavy anti-aircraft fire and fighter interception. During this violent engagement, one of the largest air battles over Tyrol in the war in which eight B-24s from the same group were lost, the aircraft was critically hit and went down near Biberwier, Austria. It was destroyed, resulting in four crew members killed in action while the remaining crew survived by bailing out and were captured as prisoners of war.

TSgt Burton successfully bailed out, was captured by German forces, and was held as a prisoner of war at Stalag Luft IV in Gross Tychow, Pomerania, Prussia. Currently, we don't have details about his post-war life, death, or burial location.

Source of information: aad.archives.gov, Aviation Safety Network