'Jack Williams joined the Army Air Force in July 1943, taking his pre-flight training at Clarion State College. His flight training took place at various bases in Georgia, Florida, and Texas. On November 18, 1944 he received his flying commission as a 2nd Lieutenant and his wings. He tried as a navigator flying the B-17 bomber.'



'Sent to Europe late in the war, he was on five missions over enemy territory. After the war he was involved in flying prisoners of war from France to England. While substituting for another navigator on a flight to Europe with passengers to view the battle areas, his plane crashed shortly after takeoff at Bury St. Edmunds airfield. All the crew and passengers were killed. He was attached to the 561st Bomber Squadron of the 388th Bomb Group. Jack is buried at Cambridge Memorial Cemetery in England.'



The aircraft, 43-38919, piloted by Walter Metz, took off from Knettishall and crashed a mile SE of Barningham. Fourteen airmen were killed.