He reported to the ETO in Jul 1944.

Sorties: 1944 - 5 Aug Dollburgen, Ger; 6 Aug Brandenburg, Ger; 7 Aug Montbartier, Fr; 9 Aug Ulm, Ger; 12 Aug Chamant, Fr; 16 Aug Bohlen, Ger; 24 Aug Vorden, Ger; 26 Aug Gelsenkirchen, Ger; 5 Sep Ludwigshaven, Ger; 8 Sep Ludwigshaven, Ger; 10 Sep Stuttgart, Ger; 12 Sep Ruhland, Ger (Missing in Action (MIA)). On 12 September 1944, Aircraft #42-102503-W ('Belle of the Blue') was shot down. One crew member was Killed in Action (KIA); the others were Missing in Action (MIA)/Prisoner of War (POW). Lt. Gates was liberated by the Russians from Stalag Luft I on 5 May 1945.



(Bud) Daniel W. Gates returned to Spokane, WA and married (Peggy) Margaret Meenach Gates. He was the father of 6 children, five girls and one boy--Daniel W. Gates the 2nd. He had 11 grandchildren. He died in January, 2006, but were he alive today, he would know he has 7 great grandchildren. Peggy, his beloved wife, died in November 2012. Both parents were loved by all their children, grandchildren, extended family, and many friends. Bud was a proud and loving father--very softhearted and great at telling stories and jokes. Both he and Peggy are missed beyond words.