Deane Paine Clementson was born on May 4, 1925, in Erskine, Polk County, Minnesota. He served in the 731st Bomber Squadron, 452nd Bomber Group, Heavy, as a Sergeant and Tail Gunner of B-17 #44-8015 known as "Johnny Reb" during World War II.

On February 22, 1945, the ''Johnny Reb'' set out on its fourth mission to bomb Ulm, Germany. Previously damaged by flak and deemed unfit for flight, it was repaired and sent on the mission. Hit by flak over Ansbach, the aircraft continued but later encountered severe turbulence and prop wash at 17,000 feet. When the pilot lowered the flaps to reduce speed, the plane broke apart mid-air. Seven crew members perished, while three survived and were taken as prisoners of war.

Sgt. Clementson was among the crew members who died in the crash. He is now buried in the Lorraine American Cemetery and Memorial, Saint-Avold, Departement de la Moselle, Lorraine, France.

Source of information: www.americanairmuseum.com