23JUN1944: Serving as a bombardier on a B17, 2LT David Kingsley was on a mission near Ploesti, Romania when his aircraft was hit by enemy flak. Shortly thereafter, a series of enemy fighters engaged his craft wounding the tail gunner. His task of dropping the bombs complete. 2LT Kingsley made his way to the tail gunner to begin providing medical treatment. To best treat his wounds, he was forced to remove the gunners parachute harness and a few layers of clothing. As enemy attacks continued, 2LT Kingsley was again called upon to treat his crew as the ball turret gunner was struck by enemy fire. As he was treating his wounds, the order was given to bail out of the severely damaged aircraft. In the chaos of the battle, the tail gunner's harness was presumed damaged and lost. Without hesitation, 2LT David Kingsley took off his parachute and attached it to the tail gunner. He then watched as his crew left the doomed craft. Shortly after, the plan crashed killing 2LT Kingsley at the age of 25. His brave and selfless act saved the life of his friend and crewmate. For his actions he would be awarded, posthumously, the Medal of Honor.

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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