Derise Leonard Nichols was born on October 18, 1923, in Virginia. He was the son of Leonard Frank Nichols and Nina Susan C Amos Nichols. He was the husband of Vivian Elaine Wagner Nichols.

The tail gunner of the B-24 Liberator 41-29157, SSgt Nichols took off from station 115 Shipdham, Norfolk, UK, on a bombing mission over Frankfurt. About an hour from the target, still in France, the plane was jumped by German fighters that knocked out the tail controls and no.4 engine. The decision was made to head for Switzerland. Even after releasing their bombs, by the time they crossed the border, they were at 1000 feet. However, flak fire knocked out the no.2 engine and Switzerland’s terrain forced the plane to circle back. Only three crew members got out of the rear hatch, including SSgt Nichols. Later, he was captured by the Germans. He spent 22 months as a POW in Stalag Lufts 1, 4, 6, and 8.

Derise died on March 21, 2000, at the age of 76, in Roanoke, Roanoke City, Virginia. His current burial place is unknown.

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