Technical Sergeant Ward M. Sackal was mechanic of the B-24 Liberator 42-7605 “Bull Bat” when it took off from Station 118 Wendling, Norfolk, UK, on December 31st, 1943. Their mission, #21, was to bomb a Luftwaffe airfield southeast of St. Jean D'Angely, France, as part of the ongoing campaign to target Luftwaffe personnel during their training. A brief description of the mission can be found at http://www.b24.net/missions/MM123143.htm. They were flying high above the town of Montlieu la Garde when fifteen German fighters intercepted them. Being the last of the formation, “Bull Bat” was targeted. It exploded in midair. All crewmembers died, with the exception of the tail gunner, SSgt Anthony F. Malavasic, who was taken prisoner. Sackal was the son of George J. and Alice (Mechen) Sackal. He was also engaged to a Christine, who decorated his grave with a red rose each month. She also sprinkles his grave with peanuts in memory of their time spent together as well as their dates at the movie theater.