Raymond Frank Sablatura was born on November 27, 1921, in Ganado, Jackson County, Texas. He was the son of Henry Frank Sablatura and Amalie (Spacek) Sablatura. He worked as a cleaner in a tailor’s shop before enlisting in the service on August 13, 1942. He served in the 587th Bomber Squadron, 394th Bomber Group, Medium, as a Staff Sergeant and crew aboard the B-26 Marauder #42-96263 based at Station No. 161 in Boreham, Essex, during World War II. The Group earned the nickname “Bridge Busters” for its precision strikes against bridges, gun emplacements, fuel depots, and transportation targets.

On D-Day, June 6, 1944, his aircraft was part of a group departing for a mission when it collided midair with another B-26 (serial 42-96050) over Gillingham, Kent, England, at 5:05 a.m. in poor weather conditions. His aircraft crashed into an orchard at East Court Farm, Gillingham, and all crew members were killed. He is remembered as one of the American airmen who lost their lives on D-Day, not in combat, but while preparing to support the invasion efforts from the air.

SSgt Sablatura is now buried in the Assumption Cemetery, Ganado, Jackson County, Texas, USA.

Source of information: www.findagrave.com, uk.forceswarrecords.com