Briefing Document: Burl Tankersley Wiley, Jr.

Subject: Biographical Information and Military Service of Burl Tankersley Wiley, Jr.

Date: October 26, 2023 (Date of Briefing)

1. Overview: This document outlines the key biographical details and military service of Burl Tankersley Wiley, Jr., who served as a pilot in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. The information is derived from the provided text excerpts. The document highlights his family background, early life in Texas, his military enlistment and service, and ultimately, his death in combat.

2. Family Background & Early Life:

Birth: Burl Tankersley Wiley, Jr. was born on August 13, 1922, in Brady, McCulloch County, Texas.

Parents: His parents were Annie Lee Keyser (born 1893, Erath County, Texas; died 1981, McCulloch County, Texas) and Burl Tankersley Wiley (born 1890, Lampasas County, Texas; died 1980, McCulloch County, Texas). At the time of Burl Jr.'s birth, his mother was 29 and his father was 32.

Siblings: The text mentions he had a sister.

Residence: He lived in Brady, McCulloch County, Texas throughout his childhood and teenage years.

Education: He had one year of college education before enlisting.

Occupation: Prior to military service, he worked at the Brady Aviation School in Brady, Texas.

3. Military Service:

Draft Registration: He registered for the draft on June 30, 1942, in Brady, Texas. At that time he was employed at the Brady Aviation School.

Enlistment: He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps as an aviation cadet on October 31, 1942, at Curtis Field, Brady, Texas. He was listed as a "single white male born Texas in 1922 residing in McCulloch County, Texas" with "one year of college education" at the time of his enlistment. His Army Serial Number was asn-18095319

Rank and Unit: He was a Second Lieutenant (O-772623) in the U.S. Army Air Forces, assigned to the 28th Bombardment Squadron, 19th Bombardment Group.

Aircraft: He piloted a Boeing B-29 Superfortress, tail number 42-24873.

Combat Mission: On May 3, 1945, he was on a combat bombing mission over Japan, flying out of an air field on Guam.

4. Fate:

Downing: His B-29 was hit by flak over Japan and lost fuel, forcing him to ditch the aircraft approximately 80 miles off shore in the Shimonoseki Strait, Japan.

Casualties: Second Lieutenant Wiley and five other crew members were killed in the crash.

Rescue: Five other crew members were rescued by a U.S. Navy submarine.

Missing Status: Lt. Wiley and the other five lost crewmen remain missing to this day.

Memorial: He is commemorated on the Tablets of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial in Hawaii.

5. Key Quotes & Insights:

"Burl Tankersley Wiley, Jr. ... enlisted from civilian life into the US Army Air Corps as an aviation cadet at Curtis Field, Brady, Texas on 31 October 1942." - This emphasizes his transition from civilian life to military service.

"Second Lieutenant Burl T. Wiley, Jr. O-772623 US Army Air Forces 28th Bombardment Squadron 19th Bombardment Group was the pilot on Boeing B-29 Superfortress 42-24873 out of a Guam Airfield on 3 May 1945 on a combat bombing mission to the target in Japan where the B-29 was hit by flak and lost fuel." This describes his role in combat and the fateful mission that led to his death.

"2Lt Wiley and five crew were killed, five were rescued by a US Navy submarine. 2Lt Wiley and the other five lost crewmen are still missing." - Highlights the tragic loss of life and the fact that his remains have not been recovered.

"He is remembered on the Tablets of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial in Hawaii." - This emphasizes his lasting memorial and remembrance.

6. Conclusion:

This information portrays Burl Tankersley Wiley, Jr. as a young man from Texas who, like many of his generation, answered the call of duty during World War II. He ultimately made the ultimate sacrifice in service to his country, and his story is one of bravery and loss. His enduring presence on the Honolulu Memorial serves as a solemn reminder of the costs of war.