TSgt James F. Welk, radio operator of the B-17 42-2838 “The Concho Clipper”, took off from station 110 Polebrook, UK on a bombing mission over Saint Nazaire’s submarine pens along “Flak Alley”. Over the target and harassed by Fw-190 fighters, they had just released their payload when an 88mm flak shell burst in the bomb bay, killing three gunners and Welk. The pilot dove to extinguish the ensuing fire in both right engines but could not regain control. The order was given to bail out and the plane subsequently crashed in two main pieces. All the survivors were taken prisoner.

James died on May 29, 1943 and is now buried in the Forest Home Cemetery, Rhinelander, Oneida County, Wisconsin, USA.