Raymond Everett Bence - 1943
Raymond Everett Bence
RAY BENCE served with the Air Force during World War II and completed 18 missions before being shot down over Germany, becoming a prisoner of war and being involved in a 600-mile forced march. (Bill Hall photo)
For individuals who may not have known much about World War II and watched the recent D-Day ceremonies, they might have concluded that the invasion ended the war. In fact, the war in Europe lasted 11 more grueling months with heavy losses on all sides. (Full interview)
8th Army Air Force
445th Battle Group
Historical Society Chronology July-December 1944
Wednesday September 27, 1944 - 315 B-24s are dispatched to hit Kassel/Henschel aircraft plant (248); they claim 5-3-0 aircraft; 26 B-24s are lost, 6 damaged beyond repair and 41 damaged; 20 airmen are KIA, 2 WIA and 245 MIA.
Kassel Mission
For Kassel, the unit earned the unwanted title as the largest single group loss on a single mission for the entire 8th Air Force during World War 2.
Maps of 8th AAF Bases in England
POW Experience
