During a war men lost are thought to be lost in combat.
The "Forgotten Airmen" are airmen who were lost to something other than combat. This Memorial is for such a group lost in a training accident.

On August 26, 1943 these men died at the bombing range approximately 20 miles southwest of Wessington Springs in Logan Township, on a routine training flight.

 

Lt. Thomas R. Russell
Clinton, Massachusetts
Lt. John M. Walker
Miami Beach, Florida
Lt. Robert P. Lynn
Syracuse, New York
Sgt. Lester M. Hatfield
Hood River, Oregon
Sgt. Raymond F. Pische
Pittsburg, Pennsylvania
Sgt. Victor D. Mette
Charlestown, South Carolina
Sgt. Nino S. Litro
Brooklyn, New York
Sgt. Mike J. Ventura
Chicago, Illinois
Pfc. Victor F. Brotherton
Joplin, Missouri

 

This memorial is dedicated to these men.