Killed in action on 18 July 1944 when his B-24 Liberator 42-51187 was involved a mid-air collision with an RAF Halifax V LL364 near Marigny-l'Eglise.



The Michelson crew collided with a British SOE Halifax while circling their DZ on the night of 18/19 July 1944. All aboard were killed.



"Wooten was serving as tail gunner on a B-24 taking off from Harrington 2302 hrs on Operation DICK 28A for the Maquis Camille at Peinture Drop Zone. The aircraft was involved in a mid-air collision with an RAF Halifax at Mazignien, France.



The two planes flew over the area without replying to the signals, heading towards the Eureka situated about two miles from the drop zone. After turning over a nearby village, probably in order to drop on DICK 28A, the other aircraft turned towards the Eureka, crossing over the route of "DICK 89", and a mid-air collision occurred at 0100 hrs near Marigny-l'Eglise, Nievre, France about nine miles south of Avalon in Eastern France. The planes crashed at 0100 hrs near a camp used by SAS troops operating behind enemy lines."