Stanley A. Church

R87186

439 Squadron

On December 29, 1944, Warrant Officer 1st Class Stanley Church flew Typhoon 1B MN791 on a bombing operation. His flight was attacked by ten or more Bf-109s and Fw-190s. He was shot down by an Fw-190. He was able to bail out and use his parachute, prior to his plane crashing. Church suffered burns and a damaged hand. He became a prisoner of war. Later, he was promoted to Pilot Officer, effective December 2, 1944.