Killed in Action (KIA) near Brandenburg in B-17 'You All Right' aka Der Grossarschvogel #43-39125

Sergeant Willard Kenneth Benson, 401st Bomb Group (H), 613 Bomb Squadron stationed at Deenethorpe, England.

Sgt Benson flew a total of 67 missions, from November 25, 1944, (mission #172), to April 20, 1945, (mission #254), which was the last mission flown by the 613th Bomb Squadron during WW II. He served as a Togglier on his final mission to Brandenburg on B-17, 43-39125, "Der Grossarschvogel" when their plane was shot down by flak and blew up before many of the crew had a chance to bail out.  Latter in the war the Togglier flew in the nose of the airplane, manned the front turret and dropped the bombs. 

The Missing Air Crew Report #14174 states that Benson was blow out the front of the plane without his parachute.  It seems the aircraft was hit by flak and in serious trouble when a second explosion occurred before the pilot could give the order to bail out.  The Pilot, Bradley, Co-Pilot, Carey and the Navigator, Petersen parachuted to safety along with the Ball turret gunner, Willis and Waist gunner, Nachtigal.  Benson along with Radio operator, Masse, Top turret gunner, Cowgill, Tail gunner, McKee and Mickey Operator, Toombs were all killed in action.