Herbert J. Herring was born on 21 December 1916 in Eagle Pass, Texas.  He was the son of George and Helene (Stricker) Herring.  He had five brothers and two sisters.  He joined the US Army Air Forces on 8 November 1941 in Maverick County, Texas.  His enlistment records indicate that he was single, had no dependents, had graduated from high school, and was working as a farm hand.  Herbert was assigned to the 419thBomb Squadron of the 301stBomb Group. He became a tail 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.  Herbert’s remains were found in the wreckage.  The Bombardier, Johnnie D. Tracer, is also buried at the Ardennes American Cemetery.
Information from:  Math Herings, The 301stBomb Group Association (https://www.301bg.com/Herring_Herbert_H9821_301BG.cfm) and MACR 7135 (https://www.301bg.com/macr/MACR%207135_Short.pdf)