Richard L. Beers was born on August 30, 1923, in Fallentimber, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Levi Ralph Beers and Susan Catherine Van Scoyoc Beers. He was a graduate of the Beccaria Township High School, Coalport.

Richard served in the 423rd Bomber Squadron, 306th Bomber Group, Heavy, as a Technical Sergeant and Mechanic/Gunner on the B-17F #41-24491 'Man O War' during World War II.

On November 9, 1942, at 10h00, his crew took off from Station 111 airfield in Thurleigh, England, to attack the submarine base in St. Nazaire, France. Unfortunately, at around 02:40 pm, their plane was shot down by flak and crashed 1 km southeast of St-Andre-des-Eaux. This incident resulted in six casualties, three prisoners of war, and only one who evaded German capture. TSgt Beers was one of those who were killed. He is now buried in the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in Missouri, in a common grave with TSgt Wescott and Sgt Wright.

Source of information: www.findagrave.com, francecrashes39-45.net