Robert Gerald “Gerry” McDonell was born on May 31, 1923. He served in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II as a Second Lieutenant in the 354th Fighter Squadron, 355th Fighter Group. He entered the service in Florida. He was killed in action on 5 April 1945 at the helm of P-51K (44-11759) WR J " My Baby Doll ". He had developed engine trouble while on an escort mission over Czechoslovakia and was forced to return unescorted to his base in the UK. He was hit by flak near Buren at 2:40 pm on the way back to Steeple Morden from a relief aerodrome. Witnesses say that he changed course to crash in the woods instead of hitting some of the local farmers and the town considers him a hero. He is now buried in High Springs Cemetery, High Springs, Alachua County, Florida, USA.