Liberty is not cheap. Freedom is paid for with the blood of patriots.

My uncle 2nd Lieutenant Raymond Evertson Diltz was a bombardier on a B-17 Flying Fortress in World War II. He graduated from the Kirtland Air Base (Bombardier Class 42-13) on September 29, 1942. After arriving in England, Lt. Diltz was assigned to the 8th AF, 92nd BG/325th BS on 6 May 1943. On 19 July 1943, he was one of 16 men in the 92nd BG to be awarded the USAAC Air Medal which was awarded for, "Heroic actions or meritorious service while participating in aerial flight."  See medal ceremony photos.

At the end of August 1943, Lt. Diltz was assigned to the 8th AF, 482nd BG, 813th BS at Alconbury, Station 102, Cambridgeshire, England. He was nearing the end of his tour of duty, and in fact, may have already completed the 25 missions needed to rotate home. Unfortunately, he was on board B-17E #41-9051 when it crashed into Skiddaw Mountain near Keswick in the northern UK on 14 September 1943. (see Hell on High Ground insert)

View crash photos and casualty reports and full 813th BS Sept 1943 Diary

His job as bombardier was a very dangerous one as bomb squadrons often suffered heavy losses while on their daylight bombing missions during this period of the war. He told my father Hershell when he left for England that he had about a 50% chance of returning alive (which was near the actual figure for B-17 crews at that time), and to watch after their parents if he didn't. My uncle was the youngest member of a family of 3 brothers and 5 sisters. His brother O.A. Diltz served in the Army during WW II, while his other brother Hershell M. Diltz (my father) was exempted from military service because he was involved in making glass lenses for the military...some of which were used in bomb sights.

The 92^nd BG flew 36 missions during the time my uncle was assigned to it. (see missions list) The most dangerous of these was by far the bombing of the Schweinfurt and Regensburg (Germany) ball bearing plants on 17 August 1943. The 8^th AF lost 60 bombers and 600 men that day. It put in question whether daylight bombing should even be continued. Limited daylight bombing was resumed, but it was not until late in 1943 when P-38 and P-47 Mustang Fighters arrived to escort the bombers over targets in Europe that it resumed at maximum effort. The ultimate fighter the P-51 Mustang arrived on the scene in March 1944, allowing the B-17’s to strike deep into the heart of Germany.

Aircraft B-17E #41-9051 was built by Boeing in 1941. It was originally ordered for the RAF, but ended up assigned to the 324th BS of the 97th BG, Polebrook in March 1942 due to the policy on daylight bombing. The RAF would use the heavier Lancaster Bomber to bomb at night, as it could carry almost twice the bombs as a B-17 but it was also slower and lightly defended. The USAAF would bomb by day using the B-17 Flying Fortress, which was faster and more heavily armed. In August 1942, B-17E #41-9051 was assigned to the 326th BS, 92nd BG Bonvington. The plane was named the "Flaming Mayme" by a 326th BS crew. On 9 October 1942, the B-17E #41-9051 collided in mid-air with B-17E #41-9021. None of the crewmen were killed, and B-17E #41-905l was repaired and put back in service. In June of 1943, #41-9051 was involved in another accident while taxiing. Luckily, no one was killed in this accident either. It was again repaired and put back into service. It was beginning to look like the plane was either lucky or jinxed.

On 2 September 1942, B-17E #41-9051 was reassigned to the 813th BS, 482nd BG, at Alconbury. On 14 September 1943, B-17E #41-9051 crashed for the final time nose first into Skiddaw Mountain near Keswick, Cumbria, England, while on a "training exercise". Official records say the plane was on a "training mission", but informed sources say that the plane was heading to Edinburgh, Scotland, for an official conference or meeting...thus accounting for the presence of so many high ranking officers on board when it crashed. All aboard were killed instantly...including my uncle Lt. Diltz, two Majors, an executive officer, and a commanding officer (see Hell on High Ground insert). Pilot error (50%), navigation error (25%), and weather (25%) were given as reasons for the crash by an investigation board of USAAF officers.

The "US Roster of WWII War Dead" says that Lt. Raymond E. Diltz was temporarily buried in Brookwood Cemetery, London, England, and later moved to Golden Gate National Cemetery, San Bruno, California. Golden Gate National Cemetery at San Bruno, California is just south of San Francisco. The cemetery records read: Diltz, Raymond E, b. 10/07/1917, d. 09/14/1943, SECOND LT US ARMY, Plot: C 241, buried 08/09/1948. My parents took me several times to San Bruno when I was a child, and I have visited there several times since out of respect for my beloved uncle.  (Picture at right is Ray with his mother)

I have several very treasured mementos of my Uncle Raymond, including 2 large photographs of him in uniform, his silver winged bombardiers insignia (show on his uniform in one photo), two army caps (one gray...also shown in photo...and one green...made by Thomas & Stone, 108 Jermyn Street, London, S.W.I.), three military ribbons (USAAF Air Medal, European Campaign Medal, and American Campaign Medal for WWII), and other small items (wallet, shaving kit, etc.). I also remember my father having his Air Force dress hat (with a large gold eagle on it...as shown in photo) but I do not know what my father did with it.

This is cadet Diltz at Kirtland.  Can anyone explain the meaning if any behind this photo?

My cousin Les Maroney sent to me what appears to be an original document from the government. At the top is the seal of the United States...the American eagle. It reads as follows: "In Grateful Memory of 2nd Lieutenant Raymond E. Diltz, A.C. 0-731036, who died in the service of his country in the European Area, 14 September 1943. He stands in the unbroken line of patriots who have dared to die that freedom might live and grow and increase its blessings. Freedom lives, and through it, he lives---in a way that humbles the undertakings of most men. (signed) Franklin D. Roosevelt, President of the United States of America." At the bottom of the document someone...either Les's mother or my grandmother...has written, " May your memory always live."

                  Click to enlarge.

My grandmother was presented with two medals (which I have). One was presented to mothers with sons in the service during WW II...it is white with a red border showing two blue stars (Blue Star Mothers Medal) (one star for my Uncle Raymond and one star for my Uncle O.A....who served in the Army and survived the war). The other is white with a red border and a gold star (Gold Star Mothers Medal)...presented to those mothers who lost a son in the war…such sad but treasured mementos.

May God bless all the brave men who have served and will serve our nation in its hour of need, and may He have a special place in heaven for those brave men who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the service of our country. It is our duty never to forget.