Richard's B-24 was shot down on April 12, 1944 over Belgium. Somehow it had not gotten into a larger group so was flying by itself, making it an easier target.

He was assisted in an escape attempt by Belgium civilians but was soon captured.

As he was hanging under his parachute the thought that came to his mind was "today is by brother Ingwer's birthday."

He ended up in Stalag Luft IV in Gross Tychow, Poland on June 19, 1944 and remained there until February 7, 1945.

Other Stalag Luft IV links: http://www.stalagluft4.org