Killed in Action (KIA) Had mid air collision and crashed at Darmsheim in B-24 'Our Baby' 41-29259. He flew 11 combat missions over Europe. He died while saving two of his fellow crewmen in the last seconds of his life. 'Sergeant Donald W. Sang distinguished himself by heroism while participating in aerial flight as a Tail Gunner assigned to the 734th Bombardment Squadron, 453rd Bombardment Group, Eighth Air Force, United States Army Air Forces, during a combat mission over Germany, 21 July 1944. On that date, while over enemy-held territory high above Germany, Sergeant Sang risked his life above and beyond the call of duty. While flying at 25,000 feet, Sergeant Sang's aircraft and the rest of the 453rd Bombardment Group ran into high clouds and bad weather with poor visibility, inhibiting the pilot's ability to view the area around their aircraft, causing Sergeant Sang's aircraft to collide with another B-24 Liberator in the same formation. After the collision, Sergeant Sang assisted the waist gunner in strapping on his parachute in the spinning aircraft and stated, 'I will be right behind you', as the waist gunner bailed out of the doomed bomber. It is believed that Sergeant Sang next helped the Radio Operator/Waist Gunner, who was last seen by the other waist gunner laying on the ground in the waist of the aircraft, secure his parachute, even as the aircraft plunged perilously to the earth. Civilian German eyewitnesses later confirmed seeing two men jump from the B-24 approximately 200-meters (650 feet) from the ground--so close to the ground, their parachutes failed to open, fatally injuring the airmen. One of these airmen was identified as Sergeant Sang, the other was the Radio Operator/Waist Gunner he had been assisting. The outstanding heroism and selfless sacrifice displayed by Sergeant Sang in his devoted service to his nation and fellow airmen reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Force. '



Awards: Distinguished Flying Cross with Valor, Purple Heart, Air Medal, Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, EAME Medal w/ 1 bronze star, WW II Victory Medal, Air Crew Badge and Aerial Gunner Badge