Mission82: Remembering the Forgotten Heroes of the 82nd Airborne

We are embarking on a mission to raise £5,500 for a series of memorials dedicated to ten remarkable men of the 82nd Airborne Division who tragically lost their lives in the UK during 1944. Unlike their comrades who fell in combat, these brave individuals were taken by unforeseen accidents and circumstances. Consequently, their stories have often been overlooked by history. Mission82 is determined to change that and ensure their legacy endures for generations to come.

Your generous donation to this project will directly contribute to the creation of three distinct memorials:

- In Hinckley, a memorial will stand in remembrance of the 376th Parachute Field Artillery Battalion and the profound loss of John E. Davey, Alfred A. Ranio, and Richard E. Duncan.

- At the former RAF Spanhoe, a memorial plaque will commemorate the four men of the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment who tragically died on June 5th, 1944. A devastating accident involving a dropped gammon grenade claimed the lives of Pete Vah, Robert L. Leakey, Kenneth A. Vaught, and Eddie O. Meelberg, also wounding other members of their unit.

- At the former RAF Fulbeck, a memorial will honour the airfield's significant role in World War II, including its use during the Normandy invasion. Tragically, in September 1944, three men of the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment – Robert W. Shearer, William R. Mitchell, and Louis N. Spera – were killed when a bundle containing mines unexpectedly detonated during offloading.

Every contribution, no matter the size, will be deeply appreciated and will bring us closer to our fundraising goal.

To learn more about these courageous men and our mission, please visit the Mission82 Facebook page.

Lost, but never forgotten.

AATW.