March 19, 2011 marked the 89th birthday of Lt. Francis DeMand, 671st Bomb Sq. pilot. The Kansas born aviator was killed in action on 29 Sep 44 and is buried at the American Battlefield Monuments Commission cemetery in Margraten, Netherlands. Local resident Ron Wintjens has formally adopted the grave of DeMand and honors his memory on special occasions with a personal visit and placement of flowers on the airman's grave.
