Lee McClure

Killed In Action

Personal Information

Birthplace: Perry County, KY

Service Information

Branch of Service: Army Air Corps

Unit: 878th squadron, 499th Bmb. Gp.

Theater of Operation: Pacific

Enlisted / Commissioned: Feb 1, 1943

Highest Rank: Lieutenant

Honored By: Wife Irene McClure-Swenson

Biography

McClure received his wings when he graduated from Marfa, Texas, AAF pilot school. He also trained at Lancaster, California, Roswell, New Mexico, Salina, Kansas, Herington, Kansas, and Lincoln, Nebraska. His B-29 was hit by enemy fire over Nagoya, Japan and went down in the sea near the Marianas Islands on January 14, 1945. Upon hitting the water, the B-29 broke in half. LT McClure assumed control and directed the four surviving crew members to the raft. LT McClure entered the sinking aircraft in an effort to save the trapped airplane commander and waist gunners. He was not seen again by the surviving crew members. He was declared dead January 15, 1946. LT McClure was posthumously awarded the Soldiers Medal.