McFadyen, William M., 1915-1946

William M. McFadyen, Jr., was born on 15 April 1915 in Raeford, N.C. He attended Raeford High School, graduating in 1934. He attended Louisburg College from 1934 to 1936, before spending the next two years at the University of North Carolina School of Journalism. After his graduation in 1938, McFadyen worked briefly as news editor for the Lumberton Voice, before accepting a similar position at the Albermarle News and Press . In 1940, he volunteered for the United States Army Air Corps (renamed the Army Air Forces in 1942) and was assigned to pilot training. After being transferred to bombardier training at his own request, he was assigned to the 34th Bomb Squad of the 17th Bomb Group, spending much of his time in training and clerical work at Pendleton Field, Pendleton, Ore. In July 1942, he was posted to Borona Airdrome, New Guinea, and later to Durand, New Guinea, as a member of the 405th Bomb Squad of the 38th Bomb Group. He was reported missing in action after his plane was apparently shot down on 27 November 1942. He was officially declared dead on 26 Febraury 1946.

From the guide to the William M. McFadyen Papers (#4956-z), 1919-1948, (Southern Historical Collection)

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