We had a memorial service on base today for Lt. Mazal. His survivng family members were there and the ceremony had full military honors (21 gun salute, full honor guard as well as taps being performed.
Here is a short narrative of what happened to Lt Mazal.
On 19 March 1945, 1st Lt Paul W. Mazal (9th Air Force, 406th Fighter Group, 513th Fighter Squadron), was flying a combat mission in his Republic P-47 "Thunderbolt". According to his wingman's statement, while he and Mazal dove on a target from 10,000 feet and pulled out at about 1,000 feet. The wingman then noticed that Mazal's aircraft was heading straight up with his left wing and fuselage in flames. At about 2,500 feet Mazal's P-47D rolled over and was last seen heading straight down. He has been listed as Missing In Action since.
In 2005, his body and wreckage were found in a field outside of Werl, Germany. After being positively identified, he is finally coming “home” to rest.
Lt Mazal