Just about 70 years ago, an American B-25 Mitchell bomber plane named "Maybe" crashed into an Italian mountain after sustaining damage from an attack. The two pilots, who were killed in the accident, will be honored by the village of Ronzo di Chienis, according to Military Times.
The pilots, Earl Remmer and Leslie Speer, are being remembered as heroes for multiple reasons. The two men worked hard to steady the aircraft, allowing the five crew members aboard to parachute to safety, before losing their own lives in the crash, reported Military Times. The people of Ronzo di Chienis consider them heroes for not detonating the bombs on board the B-25 in an effort to lighten the plane – an act of mercy they believe saved the town.
According to Townhall Magazine, surviving family members of Remmer, along with relatives of crew member Isidore Ifshin, will attend the ceremony. Military Times reported that current servicemembers from the Army's 173rd Airborne Brigade, who are based in Aviano, Italy, will also be in attendance.
Townhall noted that the event was set up by a local group that has written a book about "Maybe." A plaque with the pilots' names will be displayed near the area of the crash.