William Cassedy first flew as Copilot on Capt. Raymond Check's crew. On the 26 June 1943 mission to Tricqueville airfield, Cassedy, the plane's regular Co-Pilot, had filled the post of one of the waist gunners on B-17 #42-3172, piloted by Lt. Col. James W. Wilson. Co-Pilot Captain Raymond J. Check was killed by shrapnel from enemy fighter. As James Wilson was badly burned, the plane was flown back to base by William Cassedy [more about this can be found in a letter and an interview in the 306th BGA Collection under William P. Cassedy file]. After Raymond Check's death, Cassedy was given Check's flight crew and ground crew and became Flight Commander of 'C' flight. His last mission was the 1st Schweinfurt Raid, 17 August 1943. He flew 25 missions from 18 March to 17 August 1943. Named his plane after his 3 yr. old daughter 'Miss Patricia'.