Donald Brahm was born in 1931, and, prior to enlisting in the USAF in 1950, resided at 15780 Snowden Ave., Detroit, MI. After enlistment, he was trained as an airborne radio operator at Keesler AFB, Biloxi, MS. He was then assigned to a flight crew of the 301st Air Refueling Squadron, 301st Bomb Wing, at Barksdale AFB, Shreveport, LA as a radio operator (RO) on KB-29M aircraft.

In late August 1952, Don substituted for an ill RO on a different crew for a refueling mission. Radio operators were required on all refueling operations, and Don volunteered to replace the ailing RO. The mission was to refuel a B-29MR from one of the three bomb squadrons of the 301st Bomb Wing.

During the refueling hook-up, Don's aircraft experienced outboard engine failure, resulting in a sudden loss of airspeed, and breakage of the refueling hose. His aircraft had to abort the mission, and return to Barksdale. However, during final approach, the pilot (a veteran of the Polesti oil field raids during WW II) lost control of the aircraft and the KB-29, full of un-transferred fuel, rolled over, resulting in a fiery crash that took the lives of all on board.

Don Brahm was 21 years old when he died. He is buried somewhere in the Detroit area. Although he was not from Kinston, or even North Carolina, he deserves to be recognized for his sacrifice, as do all U.S. military personnel from everywhere, who gave their lives in the performance of their duties. May this memorial brick help to provide that recognition?