Jack R. King served in the 587th Bomber Squadron, 394th Bomber Group, Medium, as a Sergeant and Bombardier of B-26 Marauder #42-107682 nicknamed “Hannibal Hoops” during World War II.

On June 13, 1944, the B-26 Marauder “Hannibal Hoops” departed Station 161 at Boreham Airfield in Essex, England. Its mission was to strike military targets near St-Martin-Vieux, located southwest of Caen in the Calvados region of Normandy, France. Taking place just a week after D-Day, the operation was part of the ongoing Allied campaign to weaken German defensive positions, supply routes, and artillery installations threatening the newly established beachhead. As the aircraft neared the target area around Eterville or Etavaux, it encountered heavy German flak, and a direct hit to one of its engines caused severe damage, knocking the bomber out of formation. Losing altitude quickly, the crew tried to abandon the aircraft. Only three members managed to parachute to safety, but they were later captured and became prisoners of war. The other three airmen were killed in action, unable to escape before the damaged plane crashed.

Sgt King was Killed in Action and currently, we don't have details about his death and burial location.

Source of information: www.honorstates.org, francecrashes39-45.net