Johnnie D. Tracer was assigned to the 419thBomb Squadron of the 301stBomb Group. He was serving as the Bomb Gunner on a B-17 G Flying Fortress (42-31625) that was piloted by James P. Lilligren.  On 26 July 1944, the Lilligren crew was on route to bomb an aircraft engine factory near Vienna (Weiner-Neudorf) Austria when they were attacked by enemy fighters.  The bomber was badly damaged and one of its engines was set on fire.  It fell out of formation, spun to the ground near Ratten in Austria.  Johnnie’s remains were found in the wreckage.  The Tail Gunner, Herbert J. Herring, is also buried at the Ardennes American Cemetery. Information from:  
The 301stBomb Group Association (https://www.301bg.com/Tracer_Johnnie_T1140_301BG.cfm) and MACR 7135 (https://www.301bg.com/macr/MACR%207135_Short.pdf)