Press Release | April 21, 2025

Airman Accounted For From WWII (Michener, B.)

WASHINGTON  –  

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced today that U.S. Army Air Forces 2nd Lt. Byron R. Michener, 23, killed during World War II was accounted for April 15, 2025.

In the summer of 1943, Michener served as a bombardier with the 409th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 93rd Bombardment Group (Heavy), 9th Air Force. On Aug. 1, the B-24 Liberator aircraft Michener was on crashed after encountering enemy anti-aircraft fire during Operation TIDAL WAVE, the largest bombing mission against the oil fields and refineries in Ploiesti, Romania. His remains were not identified following the war. 

This is an initial release. The complete accounting of Michener’s case will be published once the family receives their full briefing.