1944: B-17 bomber pilot Powell lands in Belgium, 8 crew die in later collision.

On Oct 17, 1944, B-17 bomber pilot Perry E. Powell of Grand Island made an emergency landing in Wichelen, Belgium. The crew was warmly welcomed by locals, but tragically, eight of the nine crew members died in a mid-air collision four months later. On Aug 30-31 and Sept 1, Wichelen marks the 80th anniversary of the event, with four of Powell's sister's children attending the celebration.

June 30, 2024
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