Foil: 5 Panel: 4 Column: 2 Line: 81

Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:
Ms. Barbara Ryan Weir

William "Herb" Herbert Ryan, LT JG USN United States Atlantic Fleet, Fleet Air Wing Seven Bomber Squadron 110
William Herbert Ryan joined the United States Navy in 1935, after basic training at Great Lakes Naval Station, he was stationed at Pensacola Air Base in Florida, ultimately earning his wings as a pilot.
"Herb" was assigned to Dunkeswell Air Base in England at the time of his final mission. This was the only Naval Air Base in the European theater.
On return from a bombing mission the plane developed mechanical and navigational problems which forced them to break air silence for assistance. The WREN on duty erroneously sent them into enemy air space where they were shot down by German fighters. All crew members were lost.
The circumstances surrounding his last mission were unique as it led to the change in procedures concerning aiding planes in peril to locate their home base through radio directives.
To add to the tragedy the WREN was court-marshaled and sent to prison for thirty years.
Sadly, this mission was Herb's last before being scheduled for rotation.
The village of Dunkersville have honored those American service men and women who served there by establishing a museum displaying artifacts and history the times. On Memorial Day the church in the village flies the American flag at half-mast as a display of respect for those who lost their lives and a plaque hangs in the church bearing the names of those airmen, Herb and his crew being among them.
In the summer of 2000 members of Herb's family visited Dunkswell, the air base, church and museum. They were met by the Curator and board members of the museum and given a personal tour of the facility and village. It was a heartwarming experience for us all who fondly remember Herb, still miss him and are forever proud of him.
In November, 2000 a long overdue marker was placed on the family grave site between his parent’s markers. Herbs' father was so devastate by the loss of his only son he never completed this part of his grieving. At long last it is there.