SWA in B-17 #42-30088 'Squawkin' Hawk' over Stuttgart, Sept. 6, 1943. Pilot was Capt. Sumner Reeder.
Lt. Delao was Reeder Crew's first Bombardier.
Reeder's crew was one of the original "Bloody 100th" US crews to arrive at Thorpe Abbotts.
Lt. Delao completed 13 missions. On Sept. 6, 1943, he was severely wounded in Stuttgart air battle. Delao suffered numerous injuries to his eye, head, arm, leg.
The plane Reeder's crew flew that day was actually a brand new B-17, later to be "Horny II". Their "Squawking Hawk" was being retro-fitted that day with new plexiglass, procured by Copilot Lt. Harry Edeburn. Sadly, Lt. Edeburn was mortally wounded during Stuttgart. Navigator Russ Engel, also wounded during this air battle - somehow took copilot Edeburn 's place, despite his own injuries.
Thanks to amazing flying skill of Capt. Reeder and crew, they safely returned from enemy territory.
Both Lt. Engel & Lt. Delao were SWA (Severely Wounded in Action), and their wartime service ended.
Delao was hospitalized at several RAF, US military hospitals for months following Stuttgart.
Delao was from San Antonio, Texas.
Died Jan., 2017 in San Antonio.
Buried at Ft. Sam Houston, San Antonio, Tx.