Ilion High School - Class of 1939

Utica Daily Press - March 30, 1944

Ilion Ace Flyer Crashes in Britain

Article 2

Once again the reports from the battle front bring sad news to Ilion. This time it comes with a notice of the death of an ace flyer Lt. William (Billy) Momberger, 22- year-old Thunderbolt pilot who had more than fifty combat missions over Nazi occupied Europe to his credit. His death occurred March 9.

He had been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters. He was attached to the 8th AAF fighter station in England.

The telegram from the War Department received Friday, March 24, by his, parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Momberger, N. Fifth Ave., states that "he was killed in action in defense of his country." More detailed information indicates that he had completed his mission and was returning to his base when his badly crippled Thunderbolt crashed on the British soil.

William graduated from Ilion high school in 1939, where he was active in football, baseball and softball. He enlisted in the Army over four years ago and graduated from McDill Field, Fla., as an air mechanic. In 1940 he entered the AAF, receiving his wings at Maultrie Field, Ga., in September, 1942. He was sent overseas in June, 1943.

Lt. Momberger was born January 2, 1922, in Ilion, He was a member of the DeMolay and the Episcopal church. Besides his parents, he leaves three brothers, Paul, USN, Allan and Jon, Ilion; and one sister, Ella Dyme, Ilion.

he citation which accompanied the Distinguished Flying Cross which was awarded to Lt. Momberger shortly before the fatal crash read, "The skillful and zealous manner in which this officer has sought out the enemy and engaged him in aerial combat, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions, serve as an inspiration to his fellow fliers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States."