Richard R. Prybrylski served in the 786th Bomber Squadron, 466th Bomb Group, Heavy, as a Staff Sergeant and Flight Engineer of B-24H #42-50336, nicknamed “Pale Ale,” during World War II.

On February 20, 1945, the “Pale Ale” departed RAF Attlebridge on a bombing mission against Nuremberg, Germany. Due to deteriorating weather conditions, the mission was recalled while the formation was over Belgium, and the bombers turned back toward England. During the return flight, “Pale Ale” suffered a catastrophic control failure when its control cables reportedly snapped, causing the aircraft to enter a steep and uncontrollable spin. Realizing that the bomber could not be saved, the pilot ordered the crew to bail out. Most of the crew successfully abandoned the aircraft, but two crewmen remained trapped in the forward section. Although the pilot had an opportunity to escape, he remained aboard and attempted to regain control of the Liberator long enough for the trapped men to get out. His efforts were unsuccessful, and the aircraft, still carrying its bomb load, crashed near Dergneau, Belgium, and exploded on impact. The pilot and the two trapped crewmen were killed, while the crewmen who successfully bailed out survived the crash.

SSgt Prybrylski survived the crash, and currently, we don't have details about his post-war life, death, or burial location.

Sources of information: americanarchive.iwm.org.uk, www.fieldsofhonor-database.com