Irwin L. Taylor served in the 379th Fighter Squadron, 362nd Fighter Group as a Lieutenant during World War II. On his 24th mission, he became separated from the squadron but radioed that he was setting a course for home. Unfortunately, Taylor was intercepted by a Bf 109, and after a brief dogfight his plane was struck by German cannon shells and caught fire. The fire quickly convinced him to slide back the canopy, climb out, and jump. The German pilot circled Taylor's parachute. Upon landing, Taylor was captured and taken to a makeshift hospital near Arras where he received treatment for burns on his arms and legs. Later, he was visited by the German pilot who shot him down, Oblt. Rudolph Muller of 3/JG.5, who was interested in his flying record. He asked many questions but Taylor refused any information beyond name, rank, and serial number. Taylor was later transferred to another hospital and then to Stalag 13D and later Stalag 7A, where he would remain until he was liberated on April 29, 1945.

Source of information: Thunderbolts Triumphant, The 362nd Fighter Group vs Germany's Wehrmacht