Wilbur R. Hain was born on October 28, 1919, in Nanty Glo, Cambria County, Pennsylvania. He enlisted in the service on July 30, 1942. He served in the 787th Bomb Squadron, 466th Bomb Group, Heavy, as a Sergeant and Assistant Ground Crew Chief of B-24H #41-29439, nicknamed ''Gallopin Ghost'' during World War II.

On September 29, 1944, the Gallopin’ Ghost departed AAF Station 120 at Attlebridge, Norfolk, England, on a mission to St. Dizier, France. The flight was part of the fuel and supply operations B-24 crews conducted to support Allied forces advancing across France. After completing its mission at St. Dizier, Gallopin’ Ghost began the return flight to England. During the journey, all four engines failed for an unknown reason, leaving the crew unable to maintain flight. The Liberator crashed in the Aisne department of France, toward Saint-Quentin, possibly near Lehaucourt, approximately seven kilometers north of the town. All six crewmen aboard were killed.

Sgt Hain was buried at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, Lemay Township, St. Louis County, Missouri, USA, alongside fellow crewmates 1Lt Lewis, 2Lt Minard, TSgt Miller, TSgt Dragoon, and 2Lt Adler.

Sources of information: www.findagrave.com, francecrashes39-45.net