Frank L. Croft Jr. was born on August 5, 1924. He was the husband of Shirley Croft. He enlisted in the service on November 24, 1942. Frank served in the 751st Bomber Squadron, 457th Bomber Group, Heavy, as a Sergeant and Ball Turret Gunner of B-17 (42-97465) known as ''Scarlet Harlot'' during World War II.

On April 9, 1944, "Scarlet Harlot" took part in a large-scale bombing operation over the Baltic coast, targeting German factories involved in Focke-Wulf aircraft production near Gdynia (then Gotenhafen). During the mission, "Scarlet Harlot" was hit by intense German anti-aircraft fire and eventually went down near Osiek Lęborski, Poland. While the pilot did not survive the crash, most of the crew managed to parachute out, though they were soon captured and taken as prisoners of war. Tragically, two crew members who bailed out were later found deceased due to injuries sustained during their descent.

Sgt Croft was captured by German forces and was detained at Stalag Luft III in Zagan, Poland. Later, as the war progressed, he was transferred to Stalag XIII-D in Nuremberg-Langwasser, Bavaria, and was liberated at the end of the war. Sgt Croft died on August 9, 2015, and is now buried in the Farringdon Burial Ground, Brantford, Brant County Municipality, Ontario, Canada.

Source of information: www.americanairmuseum.com, www.trojmiasto.pl