William Patrick Shannon

“The bravery of those men, although most were the same age as us attending UNC Charlotte, to see this kind of carnage day in and day out, but continue to get in those planes and fight for our freedom, is unimaginable.

I want to thank all servicemen, especially those that have seen combat and those that have died for the rights we enjoy every day!”

– Cassidy Shannon, student

William Patrick Shannon, remembered by his granddaughter, Cassidy Shannon

Air Force Sgt. William Patrick Shannon flew 20 missions in “The Flying Fortress.”

William Patrick Shannon was part of the mighty 8th Air Force, which fought the Nazi war machine in occupied Europe. Sgt. Shannon was a gunnery instructor on the legendary B-17, a four-engine bomber nicknamed “The Flying Fortress.” He flew 20 missions as a bombardier/tail gunner/waist gunner and radio operator. During this time, casualties were sometimes 20 to 30 percent dead or missing in every mission.