Myron Ray Dodd was born on January 22, 1922, in Maramec, Pawnee County, Oklahoma. He was the son of Jessie and Zella Dodd. He was married to Gladys Fern Holbrook Dodd. He graduated from Montebello High School in Los Angeles and went on to study at Pasadena Junior College. He served in the 782nd Bomber Squadron, 465th Bomber Group, Heavy, as a Second Lieutenant and Pilot of B-24 #44-41011, nicknamed "Fast Number" during World War II.

On August 3, 1944, the 'Fast Number' took off from Pantanella Airfield in Cerignola, Italy, on a mission to bomb the steel plant at Friedrichshafen, Germany. After completing the bombing run, the aircraft was attacked by German fighters during the return flight over Tyrol, Austria. Fast Number was struck by 20mm cannon fire from a Messerschmitt Bf 109G-6 flown by an unknown pilot of Jagdgeschwader 3, causing catastrophic damage. The bomber exploded in mid-air, killing several crew members instantly, and the others managed to bail out and were captured, becoming prisoners of war.

2Lt Dodd successfully bailed out of the aircraft, was captured, and was held as a prisoner of war at Stalag Luft III in Sagan, Silesia, Germany. He returned to active duty and ended his military service as a Lieutenant Colonel. He pursued further education at Chico State, earning a master’s degree, and began a long teaching career at Gray Avenue School in 1960, retiring in the early 1980s. Even later in life, he remained devoted to aviation, enjoying flights in his 1946 Ercoupe 415C alongside his close friend and fellow aviation enthusiasts. In 2012, Myron was honored with induction into the Commemorative Air Force Hall of Fame Museum in Midland, Texas (now located in Dallas), where a placard displays photographs and details of his wartime service.

Myron died on December 9, 2016, and is now buried in the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, Dixon, Solano County, California, USA.

Source of information: www.findagrave.com, www.legacy.com, 465th.org