Ralph T. Schweyer served in the 66th Bomber Squadron, 44th Bomber Group, Heavy, during World War II. On 3 January 1943, on B-24D #41-23371, while serving as Ball Turret Gunner, the aircraft made a crash-landing near the crossroads south of Little Newcastle, Wales, returning from target U-Boat yards (submarine) at St. Nazaire, France. Fuel shortage caused the crash. Schweyer survived this crash.

On 17 May 1943, on B-24D #42-40130 'Avenger II,' while serving as Waist Gunner, the aircraft developed engine trouble en-route to the target as Bordeaux, France. The pilot made the decision to land the aircraft at Lugo-de-Llanera airfield at Asturias, Spain. The entire crew was interned but taken to Gibraltar and returned to England on 8 August 1943.

Source of information: www.americanairmuseum.com