WWII Veteran Flight Officer Shirl Best Returns Home to Durand for Burial
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A decades-long search for a missing World War II airman has concluded with teh return of Flight Officer Shirl Best to his hometown of Durand, Illinois, for a full military burial. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting agency (DPAA) announced the identification and repatriation of Best, who was killed in action over Germany in February 1945.
Best’s journey home represents a important milestone in the ongoing effort to account for the nearly 82,000 Americans still missing from World War II. His story is a testament to the sacrifices made during the conflict and the enduring commitment to bring closure to families.
A Hero’s Service with the “Hell’s Angels”
Flight Officer shirl Best was assigned to the 8th Air Force, 303rd Bomber Group (H) – nicknamed the “Hell’s Angels” – and the 427th Bomb Squadron. Stationed in England,Best flew 14 missions as part of the Allied air campaign against Nazi Germany,including a crucial sortie supporting the Battle of the Bulge.
On February 9, 1945, Best was aboard a plane en route to Lutzkendorf, Germany, when it was struck by enemy fire. The impact caused significant damage to the aircraft, tearing the rear section of the fuselage. In a remarkable act of skill and courage, the pilot diverted the damaged plane away from the town of Eisenberg, guiding it toward a wooded area. According to accounts, this maneuver prevented a catastrophic crash that could have claimed the lives of hundreds of civilians.
Decades-Long Search and Identification
The crash site remained undiscovered for nearly 50 years, finally being located in October 1991. Investigators recovered parts of the aircraft and remains of the crew members. the identification of Flight Officer Best was finally confirmed through forensic analysis, aided by the finding of a golden wedding band bearing the inscription “MN to PB 1944.” A second ring,inscribed with the initials “R.J.B.” was also found, belonging to fellow crew member Robert Barrat.
The painstaking work of the DPAA highlights the dedication to resolving cases of missing service members, even decades after the events. The agency utilizes advanced forensic technologies and ancient research to provide answers to families who have long awaited closure.
A Memorial and Final Farewell
The people of Eisenberg, Germany, never forgot the sacrifice made by Best and his crew. On september 7, 1995, the town erected a memorial to honor the airmen who deliberately steered their failing aircraft away from the village, saving countless lives.
A funeral ceremony honoring Flight Officer Shirl Best will be held on Saturday, November 8, at 12 p.m. at Durand School, located at 200 W. South St. in durand, Illinois. A visitation will precede the service, beginning at 10:30 a.m. and continuing until the ceremony’s start. an obituary for Best is available online at McCorkle Funeral Home. He will be laid to rest in durand Township Cemetery.
The return of Flight Officer Best to Durand is not only a hom
