2nd Lt Harold Filer was lost on return flight after a bombing raid in eastern China on 13 Dec 1944. His B-24 bomber could no longer stay in the air because of flak damage and mechanical problems, and he and the rest of the crew bailed out. All of the rest of the crew eventually returned to duty, but no trace of Lt. Filer was ever found.
2nd Lt. Filer (ASN #0-762912) belonged to the 425th Bomber Squadron, 308th Bombardment Group. He was born around 1922, and lived in Monroe County, New York state. His father Max and mother Rose Filer lived at 65 Cuba Place, Rochester, NY. He had younger sisters, Edith and Sarah (Sue?) ??.
Harold Filer attended Washington High School, Rochester, and was very active and well-liked. He took part in sports and was involved in various clubs. In mid-November, 1939, his junior year, he performed a major role in a high school drama performance, and the next year he was a business manager for another play. He was an officer in student government. He was a member of the entertainment committee for the November 20, 1939"Senior Frolic" party. He graduated high school in June, 1940.
Harold Filer enlisted in the Army Air Force on February 1, 1943, in Atlantic City, New Jersey. His records indicate he had been employed in the fabrication of textile products, and was single, without dependents.
After enlistment, eventually reaching Air Cadet status, he was assigned to officer school in early October, 1943, thus reporting to the Air Forces Bombardier School, in Carlsbad, New Mexico, where he studied "advanced high-level bombing" and dead-reckoning navigation. Upon graduation in late December, 1943, he was awarded silver bombardier's wings, with the rank of 2nd lieutenant.
He went overseas in June, 1944. ??
In early January, 1945, his parents Max and Rose received a telegram with the heartbreaking news that he was missing in action. 2nd Lt Harold Filer was 22 years old at that time. His remains have never been found.
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