2nd Lt Edward W Durst Jr was the pilot of the P-38 Lightning 267119 “The Florida Gator” (the nose of which was painted with shark’s teeth) when he took off from Station 234 Mount Farm, UK, July 24th, 1944 on an unknown mission with three other pilots. Some speculate it was a reconnaissance over Lorient. While overflying Guernesey at 7500m the group suffered through flak fire without any casualties. However, when they reached Ploubalay, Durst narrowly missed colliding with the lead pilot and circled lazily downwards, unresponsive to the frantic radio calls of his wingmates. He had passed out from lack of oxygen. The death of one of the engines led to a bent helice, and Durst disappeared into the cloud cover at 1000m. Upon impact, the plane started a massive fire. Once extinguished, the Germans allowed female civilians to approach the site. One of them covered the body with a shroud, and the Germans allowed the town council to recover the body upon Mr Roussel’s – then mayor – request. His funeral was held on the 26th. Flowers covered the church square and even the Germans paid their respects. The body was returned to the US on July 18th, 1948. Edward Durst was 21 at the time, with a very sick mother, Ella Magee, who joined him soon after the news of her son’s death. The plane he was flying was nicknamed “the devil with the forked tail” and was the same that led to the famous Frenchman St Exupery’s death.