David Ross Curry, born 12 April 1926, graduated from Butler County High School in June of 1943 at the age of 17. According to his high school annual ..popular, student director of A Capella Choir, Hi-Y, part in "Royal Family", lettered in music, was part of the band, Magnet Staff, likes flashy ties, favorite subject English, would like to be a movie star …

Cpl David Ross Curry Photo Courtesy of Richard Curry, cousin

In April of 1943 David enlisted in the Air Corps under the "buddy system". By doing this he and his cousin, Richard G. Curry (TG, P-19) who had enlisted a few weeks before would be assigned to the same military bases throughout their active duty.

In August 43 being as he was only 17 at the time of graduation, he would have to wait until his 18th birthday to report for active duty. Once gaining his parents approval, he went to California to join his cousin Richard, who was working on a metal working lathe at the Navy Yard. They not only shared a cottage, but also worked in the same building. David was assigned to operated a radial drill press. They were together once again.

In February 1944 David and Richard returned home to spend some additional time with their family and friends before shipping out.

David's parents (as well as Richard's) saw them off at the Pennsylvania Rail Road Station in Pittsburgh. David's mother told him never to allow himself to be captured by the Japanese. They were known at the time to beat and torture American prisoners unmercifully.

12 April 1945 Lincoln, Nebraska

David (L) and Richard Curry celebrating their 19th Birthdays. This is the last photo taken of David

May 5, 1944 he left Pittsburgh and arrived at Camp Atturburry, Maryland. Curry was given a very rigid and thorough physical examinations and about 20 inoculations during his week there. From there they were sent to Keelser Field, Mississippi by train for "Basic Training".

After 3 months of rugged and physical training David was sent to Ft Myers, Florida for "Airplane Gunnery School" training, flying in B-24 Bombers. Six weeks later reporting to Lincoln, Nebraska for permanent assignment to Captain Kobler's crew.

With Curry arriving at Guam on 7 May his first mission was 26 May 1945.

An excerpt from Richard Curry's diary states:
May 25, 1945 (Richard went with David to his plane to see him off, wish him good luck and return safely) "I was a gasp when he said, "This will be the last time I see you. I know that I will not be returning. I want to thank you for all that you have done for me and wish that I could be more like you". Richard answered him saying, "Don't worry too much. I just flew my first mission and I returned "O.K." Richard tried to further reassure his cousin that everything would be all right, but he could see he wasn't getting through to him.

David's premonition came true.