Memorial stone in Our Lady of the Valley Parish - St. Ann Cemetery in Hornell,Steuben County, New York.

Excerpt from 512th Fighter Squadron History January 1945:

"The only casualty during January occured 2 January when Lt Didas crashed near Neufchateau and is MIA. Lt Didas was flying "Basher Blue Two" in dropping Napalm on a target approxiamately ten miles North East of Bastogne, Belguim, when after making his run, Lt John N. Balog noted he was in trouble with a large hole in the middle of his right wing and the left aileron loose and damaged. Lt Balog could not make radio contact so he called Blue Leader that he was flying back with Lt Didas. Lt Didas seemed to be having difficulty keeping his plane under control and was gradually losing altitude. The time was 1250, altitude 3,000 feet and he was flying a course of 235 degrees. In about 5 or 6 minutes Lt Didas' plane went over on its back, then crashed nose first, exploding and burning on impact."

Lt Didas was flying P-47 tail #42-75435 "Itsie Bitsie". MACR 11512

Didas, Leo J., 2nd Lt