John Kostick was born on December 16, 1921, in Centralia, Lewis County, Washington. He was the son of Jake Kostick. John served in the 782nd Bomber Squadron, 465th Bomber Group, as a Staff Sergeant and Radio Operator on the B-24 #44-41011 during World War II.

On August 3, 1944, the 'Fast Number' took off from Pantanella Airfield in Cerignola, Italy, on a mission to bomb the steel plant at Friedrichshafen, Germany. After completing the bombing run, the aircraft was attacked by German fighters during the return flight over Tyrol, Austria. Fast Number was struck by 20mm cannon fire from a Messerschmitt Bf 109G-6 flown by an unknown pilot of Jagdgeschwader 3, causing catastrophic damage. The bomber exploded in mid-air, killing several crew members instantly, and the others managed to bail out and were captured, becoming prisoners of war.

SSgt Kostick was Killed in Action and is now buried in the Lorraine American Cemetery, Saint-Avold, France.

Source of information: www.findagrave.com, www.abmc.gov, 465th.org