A Hero in Broad Daylight
By Paul Reyes
Lester H. Greenfield
7/12/1918 - 10/19/2009
Lester H. Greenfield gave a great sacrifice for his country[1]. He was a captain in the United States Army during World War II. Lester was a bomber pilot in the 305th Bombardment Group, 366th Bomb Squadron, 8th Air Force. He was in the cockpit above the clouds, bombarding the United States' effort to demolish the Axis powers over Nazi Europe. The 305th Bombardment Group was one of the earliest American air units to participate in daylight precision bombing of German military sites and industrial targets. It was involved in some of the bloodiest air battles of the war, with B-17 Flying Fortress bombers dispatched to the most dangerous enemy locations. It bombed critical rail yards, enemy military assembly plants, and shipping depots, and its missions helped dissipate enemy resources and led to the ultimate victory for the Allies.
As an Officer, Captain Greenfield undoubtedly operated in a commanding position, relaying missions, goals, and performance to his airmen and executing such missions when necessary, under duress. Greenfield's fellow airmen, in the air, encountered Luftwaffe anti-aircraft guns, prismatic storms, and malfunctions in the air above Axis territories. Yet they completed their missions with distinction and excellence, rendering invaluable assistance to the Allied cause in Europe. Captain Greenfield had an impressive legacy during and after the war. When he returned from the war, he left a life of soldiering behind and began a life of civilian obligations.
He passed away on October 19, 2009, and is buried at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver, Colorado. He is among the countless men and women who served this great nation. His life credits him with all honorable recognition to his memory. Unfortunately, not much is known about him outside of his uniform, but his time served can be an example of honor for everyone.
Footnotes ↓
[1] Infomration for this biography can be found at:
https://www.8af.org/greenfield-lester-g4362-305bg.cfmutm_source=chatgpt.com https://www.vlm.cem.va.gov/LESTERHGREENFIELD/9a9621
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