First Lieutenant Edward Cross was the pilot of a P-47 Thunderbolt Fighter-Bomber with serial number 42-76164 that was part of the 389th Fighter Squadron of the 366th Fighter Group.  On 21 September 1944, Cross took part in an armed reconnaissance mission flying into Germany, that would include dropping its bomb on a target near Geilenkirchen in Germany.    As they approached the target, the squadron was attacked by about 40 Focke Wulf FW 190 German fighters, and a dogfight ensued.  Cross’s plan was hit behind the cockpit.  It rolled over, burst into flames, and crashed before Cross had the opportunity to bail out.

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The information above is base on the Missing Aircrew Report provided by Jacques Debatty