Manley Hovey Dale Jr. was born on August 26, 1919, in Renville, Renville County, Minnesota. He was the son of Manley Humphrey Dale and Mathilda Agnora "Tillie" Hovey Dale. He was married to Jewel Elaine Butts Dale. He served in the 775th Bomb Squadron, 463rd Bomber Group, Heavy, as a Second Lieutenant and Co-Pilot of B-17 #42-31685 nicknamed 'Pete's Playhouse' during World War II.

On May 10, 1944, the “Pete’s Playhouse” took part in a bombing mission against the important German industrial target at Wiener Neustadt, Austria. As part of the 15th Air Force operating from Italy, the aircraft and its crew flew deep into heavily defended enemy territory, where intense anti-aircraft fire and fighter opposition were common. During the mission, the bomber was hit by German flak, severely damaging the aircraft. Unable to maintain formation or safely return to base, the crew was forced to abandon the aircraft or attempt to control it as it descended. The B-17 ultimately crashed near Vöstenhof, southwest of Wiener Neustadt. Of the ten-man crew, five were killed in action, while five managed to survive and were captured, becoming prisoners of war.

2Lt Hovey survived the incident and was captured, becoming a prisoner of war at Stalag 7A, Moosburg, Bavaria. After the war, he returned to active duty, participating in the Korean War. He ended his military service as a Lieutenant Colonel. He died on January 14, 1998, and is now buried in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Arlington County, Virginia, USA.

Source of information: www.findagrave.com, americanarchive.iwm.org.uk