John B. Lyman, Lt., from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, copilot on the crew of a B-25, lost in China on 8 May 1943.
This B-25 was one of ten B-25 bombers of the 341st Bomb Group, 11th Bomb Squadron, targeting the Tien Hoa Airport, Canton, that day. While the formation was approaching the target the plane piloted by Capt Douglas Weaver exploded just as bomb bay doors were opening.
See more background here.
According to Lt. Lyman's family, Lt. Lyman did survive the exit from the burning B-25 only to be killed in his parachute by the Japanese soldiers on the ground. This was witnessed and reported by a Chinese teen who worked in the hospital where his body was taken. Years later that teen became a Catholic Priest and stayed in touch with Lt. Lyman's parents until their deaths in the late 1950s.
(Much appreciation for information courtesy of C. Lyman and Tony Strotman.)
John B. Lyman, Lt., from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, copilot on the crew of a B-25, lost in China on 8 May 1943.