Charles Kalil served as a waist gunner with the 95th Bomb Group.

On 21 July 1944, he was flying in B-17 42-97120 when it suffered mechanical failures and crashed near Trier, Germany. He was taken as a Prisoner of War and was imprisoned in Stalag Luft III.



'From meager beginnings, Charles built one of Texas largest Wholesale Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Companies his life's work and love. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed in England, as a Gunner Engineer on a B17. He flew twenty one missions over Germany before his plane was shot down, where he spent thirteen months as a prisoner of war at Stalag Luft 3. His camp was liberated by General George Patton's Army in 1945.

Upon returning to the U.S., he flew directly to Florida and married the love of his life, Vivilyn Tucker. They were married for 65 years and became parents to four wonderful children.'

Excerpt from his Findagrave record