Vanished in Valor
Experience the unwavering love and resilience of a family as they embark on a decades-long journey to uncover the fate of their World War II MIA airman son, Eugene Darter. Through tireless investigation and determination, Michael Darter, Eugene's brother, unveils compelling eyewitness accounts, detailing the harrowing aerial combat experiences of the Mighty Eighth Air Force over Germany. In addition, the recent examination of hundreds of X-files containing "unknown" American remains in Europe adds a new perspective to the search. These collective sources illuminate the heroic endeavors of Eugene and his crewmates, showcasing their steadfast commitment to preserving freedom despite the horrific dangers they faced.
Vanished
in Valor
Experience the unwavering love and resilience of a family as they embark on a decades-long journey to uncover the fate of their World War II MIA airman son, Eugene Darter. Through tireless investigation and determination, Michael Darter, Eugene's brother, unveils compelling eyewitness accounts, detailing the harrowing aerial combat experiences of the Mighty Eighth Air Force over Germany. In addition, the recent examination of hundreds of X-files containing "unknown" American remains in Europe adds a new perspective to the search. These collective sources illuminate the heroic endeavors of Eugene and his crewmates, showcasing their steadfast commitment to preserving freedom despite the horrific dangers they faced.
Discover the Book - "Vanished In Valor"
"Vanished in Valor" offers a profound look into the heart of bravery, uncovering the stories of heroism that have lingered in the shadows of history. Michael Darter masterfully narrates the trials and triumphs of those who've shown extraordinary courage, making this book a must-read for anyone fascinated by the resilience of the human spirit.
Discover the Book - "Vanished In Valor"
"Vanished in Valor" offers a profound look into the heart of bravery, uncovering the stories of heroism that have lingered in the shadows of history. Michael Darter masterfully narrates the trials and triumphs of those who've shown extraordinary courage, making this book a must-read for anyone fascinated by the resilience of the human spirit.
Vanished In Valor unravels the true story of Staff Sergeant Eugene F. Darter, a crew member in the esteemed 8th Air Force during World War II. Originally recruited by the US Navy in 1931 to become an undercover investigator of subversive activities, he later went on to become a private detective investigator and then joined the Army Air Force war effort in 1942. During his last furlough home, he formed a deep bond with his younger brother, Michael, before heading to the bloody World War frontlines. In 1943 a fierce battle raged over Nazi-occupied Europe, and every day young airmen faced great risk of injury and death. Eugene (after very emotional farewells with family and his sweetheart) and his crew embarked on a perilous mission that led to injuries and imprisonment of seven (POW), and the mysterious disappearance of three who never returned at the end of the war (MIA), including Eugene and pilots Fred Delbern and Don Neff.
Decades of mourning and speculation followed, with Michael vowing to uncover the truth of his brother’s vanishment. In 2000, a serendipitous internet search lead him to the incredible discovery of four surviving crewmates, who shared what they knew about Eugene and the two pilots, and the rest of the crew during fierce aerial combat. These and other discoveries ignited an investigative journey through eye-witnesses’ stories of heroism, love, loss, and miracles.
Vanished In Valor unravels the true story of Staff Sergeant Eugene F. Darter, a crew member in the esteemed 8th Air Force during World War II. Originally recruited by the US Navy in 1931 to become an undercover investigator of subversive activities, he later went on to become a private detective investigator and then joined the Army Air Force war effort in 1942. During his last furlough home, he formed a deep bond with his younger brother, Michael, before heading to the bloody World War frontlines. In 1943 a fierce battle raged over Nazi-occupied Europe, and every day young airmen faced great risk of injury and death. Eugene (after very emotional farewells with family and his sweetheart) and his crew embarked on a perilous mission that led to injuries and imprisonment of seven (POW), and the mysterious disappearance of three who never returned at the end of the war (MIA), including Eugene and pilots Fred Delbern and Don Neff.
Decades of mourning and speculation followed, with Michael vowing to uncover the truth of his brother’s vanishment. In 2000, a serendipitous internet search lead him to the incredible discovery of four surviving crewmates, who shared what they knew about Eugene and the two pilots, and the rest of the crew during fierce aerial combat. These and other discoveries ignited an investigative journey through eye-witnesses’ stories of heroism, love, loss, and miracles.
About the Author
Meet Dr. Michael Darter, a dedicated author and engineering professor, who has devoted years of his life to discovering the fate of his brother Eugene and crewmates. With meticulous research, Vanished In Valor presents a strong tribute to their sacrifice. Michael has engaged with surviving crewmates, families, veterans, institutions, archives, and fellow researchers, weaving together the tapestry of their fateful mission. In his endeavor to honor the fallen and offer closure, Michael sheds light on the horrors of war, where so many airmen paid the ultimate sacrifice, never to return home. The latest search for Eugene's remains led to the review of more than 800 X-files of buried, unknown American soldier's in Europe, and the discovery of a few potential matches with Eugene that after further documentation will be submitted to the US Government for DNA testing. Dr. Darter advocates for more DNA testing of remains of unknowns to "Bring Them Home," to better preserve and honor their ultimate sacrifice.
About the Author
Meet Dr. Michael Darter, a dedicated author and engineering professor, who has devoted years of his life to discovering the fate of his brother Eugene and crewmates. With meticulous research, Vanished In Valor presents a strong tribute to their sacrifice. Michael has engaged with surviving crewmates, families, veterans, institutions, archives, and fellow researchers, weaving together the tapestry of their fateful mission. In his endeavor to honor the fallen and offer closure, Michael sheds light on the horrors of war, where so many airmen paid the ultimate sacrifice, never to return home. The latest search for Eugene's remains led to the review of more than 800 X-files of buried, unknown American soldier's in Europe, and the discovery of a few potential matches with Eugene that after further documentation will be submitted to the US Government for DNA testing. Dr. Darter advocates for more DNA testing of remains of unknowns to "Bring Them Home," to better preserve and honor their ultimate sacrifice.
Testimonials
Hear from readers who have been deeply moved by "Vanished in Valor":
Results from Michael Darter's search for his MIA brother Eugene were published first in 2004 and again in 2014 (Gone With The Wind, He Said). Vanished In Valor (2024) is the third version with significant new information and documentation
★★★★★
Michael Darter captured the perseverance, determination, and the unwavering commitment it took to find out what happened to his older brother during the dark days of WWII. Being a fellow author, a WWII Historian, and a family member of a MIA, I was blown away with what Michael was able to uncover and find out about his MIA brother and the other members of the Lonesome Polecat II. His book hit close to home. I highly recommend this book for anyone wanting to know what is possible, if you refuse to give up. Three members of this B-17 gave the ultimate sacrifice, the others lived long enough, to help Michael fill in the pieces of information, that allowed him to know what truly happened to his brother. An incredible book that reveals the love and commitment of a brother, refusing to give up.
★★★★★
- Tim Drake
'Gone with the Wind' He Said, far exceeded my expectations! Told from the author's perspective, the book takes the reader along as the author investigates, over many years, the disappearance of his MIA brother in WWII. The author does a great job leading the reader through his various discoveries and explaining necessary background information with those who are not as familiar with the time period. My favorite aspect of this book was that the author highlighted the men his brother fought alongside and their families as well. The book is so much more than just the author's search for his brother; it's really a book about what his brother and other men went through during the war as well as a look at the amazing relationships the makes throughout his search for Eugene. Really an, engaging and uplifting read!
★★★★★
- MRose
AMAZING!
This is an excellent book. It is remarkable that so many years after WII there are witnesses, records, and other clues to find those that were MIA. Although I was born in 1940, I remember the war talk, putting blankets over our windows at night and seeing the haunting pictures in Life magazine.
★★★★★
- Traci Chickerell
Five Stars
Great story
★★★★★
- Steve
Poignant Tale for a Brother Missing in Action in World War II!
Michael Darter barely knew his older brother Eugene, being an infant when his brother went off to war. Sadly, his brother was lost on the very first B-17 mission he flew with the 8th Air Force in World War II. For decades Darter - and his family - struggled with the MIA loss until one day in 2000, Darter did a search on the Internet for the B-17 and, unknowingly, took the first step in an amazing journey that would bring closure after 60 years. A 2014 Xlibris LLC release, GONE WITH THE WIND, HE SAID, THE COLD CASE SEARCH FOR MY MISSING-IN-ACTION BROTHER is Dartre's masterful account of the quest for answers and a beloved brother.
Darter recounts, step-by-step, the process by which he built an information file using the Internet and official government sources on his brother's combat career and loss on 16 December 1943. In time, Darter tracked down surviving members of his brother's crew and doggedly built up a history of what happened to their B-17 'Lonesome Polecat II.' Contacts in Belgium revealed more of the story and then Darter was fortunate enough to locate an eyewitness who saw his brother's last moments...and unwittingly supplied the GONE WITH THE WIND title.
Darter's book has many things going for it. First off, it's a touching story about the loss of and search for a lost family member. It's a useful tool, demonstrating the varied resources available for other families looking for MIA sons and fathers. And it's a meticulously-detailed, exciting and very well-illustrated account of the 16 December 1943 Mighty Eighth mission to Bremen.
There are books and then there are labors of love like GONE WITH THE WIND, HE SAID. Part detective story, part war story, it's a compelling, well-written tribute to a brave, young man who went to war and never returned...until now. Highly recommended.
★★★★★
- Mike O'Connor
Unbelievable heroism
This book tells the story of unbelievable Times. After being shot down these soldiers were held captive in stalag 17 POW camp for 3 years. They were left to eat grass and survive conditions that were Inhumane. the times these men went through were those left without words. The tailgunner Bpb McKeegan is my grandfather and the things that were experience were not spoken of again. the book would tell you why, it's truly heroic.
★★★★★
- Mmck1985
Awesome read.
So factual. Documentation extraordinary. Just WOW, to read the final results of the author's search.
★★★★★
- Marlan Roper
Enjoyed it immensely
Julius (Ed) Woolen was my uncle.....enjoyed it immensely
★★★★★
- Sally Simonton
Inspirational story for MIA Families
What drew me to this book is the fact that our family also lost someone on that same raid to Bremen- Lt. Jerome K. Hanson. Hanson was a navigator on board a 92nd BG B-17 that also crashed in the Netherlands, most likely south of where Darter's brother's plane went down. Four crewmen did bail out and survive but Hanson and five other men were listed as MIA because the wreckage was never found. Jerome's family suffered much from not knowing what happened...
Darter's account gives us hope because it shows that there are others in Holland who care about what happened to all these men, and that there are many places that one can research to help find the answers.
As you read through the book you come to personally know the crew members and their bond with one another. You begin to care about them and the fate of those who were left behind. Really good read with many illustrations to help understand what took place.
Amazed at Darter's determination to find out about his brother, and how that helped make this all happen.
★★★★★
- Mark Terry
"Gone with the Wind," He Said; A great story of heroism and the remarkable effort it took to uncover it!
I learned of this book by chance while surfing a professional website, and what a rare find it was at an extremely appropriate time! Veteran’s Day had just passed, and the great sacrifices made by so many were still present in my mind.
I had not been aware that an engineering colleague of mine from many years ago had an older brother who served on a B-17 that was lost on its first combat mission over Germany in World War II. Communications and information technology then were primitive by today’s standards, and in many cases there were no coherent records of the fates of those who did not return at the end of the war. The book gives a detailed account of the author’s unrelenting efforts over many years to finally piece together what had become of his brother. His remarkable success against daunting odds is a testament to the value of persistence, and may give both encouragement and guidance to others who may have loved ones missing in action.
But the real story here is a stirring tribute to the bravery of the crew of that B-17 who delivered their bombs to the target, and struggled to make it back to base against insurmountable odds. I had no idea that a B-17 could take that much punishment and still keep flying, and the same can be said for the remarkable and close-knit crew who never gave up. The author managed to locate and interview the few survivors, and from their combined recollections, has managed to put together a dramatic account of their last hours on the mission that will make you feel like you were with them on that plane!
★★★★★
- Richard M. Weed
Mike Darter met his brother Eugene once, when Eugene was on leave from the Army Air Corps. At the time, Mike was a baby, and he would never see his big brother again. Eugene Darter, flying on a B-17 Flying Fortress on his first mission, went down off Texel Island and was never seen again. Many years later, Mike began to search for the fate of the Lonesome Polecat II and its crew. He found that some of the men had, indeed, survived, after parachuting out slightly sooner and landing on Texel Island. Eugene, badly injured, had parachuted safely, but landed in the frigid waters and was unable to get to shore.
This book reads like a detective story, as Darter begins to make the connections needed to find out about his brother. He searches MACRs, interview survivors, researches the air battle after which the Polecat went down, and even travels to Texel Island to meet with the last man to see the plane and, possibly, his brother.
This is a fascinating book, full of maps and diagrams charting the data that Darter has meticulously collected. It is a fine tribute to the men of the Lonesome Polecat II.
★★★★★
- R. Morris
Testimonials
Hear from readers who have been deeply moved by "Vanished in Valor":
Results from Michael Darter's search for his MIA brother Eugene were published first in 2004 and again in 2014 (Gone With The Wind, He Said). Vanished In Valor (2024) is the third version with significant new information and documentation
★★★★★
Michael Darter captured the perseverance, determination, and the unwavering commitment it took to find out what happened to his older brother during the dark days of WWII. Being a fellow author, a WWII Historian, and a family member of a MIA, I was blown away with what Michael was able to uncover and find out about his MIA brother and the other members of the Lonesome Polecat II. His book hit close to home. I highly recommend this book for anyone wanting to know what is possible, if you refuse to give up. Three members of this B-17 gave the ultimate sacrifice, the others lived long enough, to help Michael fill in the pieces of information, that allowed him to know what truly happened to his brother. An incredible book that reveals the love and commitment of a brother, refusing to give up.
★★★★★
- Tim Drake
'Gone with the Wind' He Said, far exceeded my expectations! Told from the author's perspective, the book takes the reader along as the author investigates, over many years, the disappearance of his MIA brother in WWII. The author does a great job leading the reader through his various discoveries and explaining necessary background information with those who are not as familiar with the time period. My favorite aspect of this book was that the author highlighted the men his brother fought alongside and their families as well. The book is so much more than just the author's search for his brother; it's really a book about what his brother and other men went through during the war as well as a look at the amazing relationships the makes throughout his search for Eugene. Really an, engaging and uplifting read!
★★★★★
- MRose
AMAZING!
This is an excellent book. It is remarkable that so many years after WII there are witnesses, records, and other clues to find those that were MIA. Although I was born in 1940, I remember the war talk, putting blankets over our windows at night and seeing the haunting pictures in Life magazine.
★★★★★
- Traci Chickerell
Five Stars
Great story
★★★★★
- Steve
Poignant Tale for a Brother Missing in Action in World War II!
Michael Darter barely knew his older brother Eugene, being an infant when his brother went off to war. Sadly, his brother was lost on the very first B-17 mission he flew with the 8th Air Force in World War II. For decades Darter - and his family - struggled with the MIA loss until one day in 2000, Darter did a search on the Internet for the B-17 and, unknowingly, took the first step in an amazing journey that would bring closure after 60 years. A 2014 Xlibris LLC release, GONE WITH THE WIND, HE SAID, THE COLD CASE SEARCH FOR MY MISSING-IN-ACTION BROTHER is Dartre's masterful account of the quest for answers and a beloved brother.
Darter recounts, step-by-step, the process by which he built an information file using the Internet and official government sources on his brother's combat career and loss on 16 December 1943. In time, Darter tracked down surviving members of his brother's crew and doggedly built up a history of what happened to their B-17 'Lonesome Polecat II.' Contacts in Belgium revealed more of the story and then Darter was fortunate enough to locate an eyewitness who saw his brother's last moments...and unwittingly supplied the GONE WITH THE WIND title.
Darter's book has many things going for it. First off, it's a touching story about the loss of and search for a lost family member. It's a useful tool, demonstrating the varied resources available for other families looking for MIA sons and fathers. And it's a meticulously-detailed, exciting and very well-illustrated account of the 16 December 1943 Mighty Eighth mission to Bremen.
There are books and then there are labors of love like GONE WITH THE WIND, HE SAID. Part detective story, part war story, it's a compelling, well-written tribute to a brave, young man who went to war and never returned...until now. Highly recommended.
★★★★★
- Mike O'Connor
Unbelievable heroism
This book tells the story of unbelievable Times. After being shot down these soldiers were held captive in stalag 17 POW camp for 3 years. They were left to eat grass and survive conditions that were Inhumane. the times these men went through were those left without words. The tailgunner Bpb McKeegan is my grandfather and the things that were experience were not spoken of again. the book would tell you why, it's truly heroic.
★★★★★
- Mmck1985
Awesome read.
So factual. Documentation extraordinary. Just WOW, to read the final results of the author's search.
★★★★★
- Marlan Roper
Enjoyed it immensely
Julius (Ed) Woolen was my uncle.....enjoyed it immensely
★★★★★
- Sally Simonton
Inspirational story for MIA Families
What drew me to this book is the fact that our family also lost someone on that same raid to Bremen- Lt. Jerome K. Hanson. Hanson was a navigator on board a 92nd BG B-17 that also crashed in the Netherlands, most likely south of where Darter's brother's plane went down. Four crewmen did bail out and survive but Hanson and five other men were listed as MIA because the wreckage was never found. Jerome's family suffered much from not knowing what happened...
Darter's account gives us hope because it shows that there are others in Holland who care about what happened to all these men, and that there are many places that one can research to help find the answers.
As you read through the book you come to personally know the crew members and their bond with one another. You begin to care about them and the fate of those who were left behind. Really good read with many illustrations to help understand what took place.
Amazed at Darter's determination to find out about his brother, and how that helped make this all happen.
★★★★★
- Mark Terry
"Gone with the Wind," He Said; A great story of heroism and the remarkable effort it took to uncover it!
I learned of this book by chance while surfing a professional website, and what a rare find it was at an extremely appropriate time! Veteran’s Day had just passed, and the great sacrifices made by so many were still present in my mind.
I had not been aware that an engineering colleague of mine from many years ago had an older brother who served on a B-17 that was lost on its first combat mission over Germany in World War II. Communications and information technology then were primitive by today’s standards, and in many cases there were no coherent records of the fates of those who did not return at the end of the war. The book gives a detailed account of the author’s unrelenting efforts over many years to finally piece together what had become of his brother. His remarkable success against daunting odds is a testament to the value of persistence, and may give both encouragement and guidance to others who may have loved ones missing in action.
But the real story here is a stirring tribute to the bravery of the crew of that B-17 who delivered their bombs to the target, and struggled to make it back to base against insurmountable odds. I had no idea that a B-17 could take that much punishment and still keep flying, and the same can be said for the remarkable and close-knit crew who never gave up. The author managed to locate and interview the few survivors, and from their combined recollections, has managed to put together a dramatic account of their last hours on the mission that will make you feel like you were with them on that plane!
★★★★★
- Richard M. Weed
Mike Darter met his brother Eugene once, when Eugene was on leave from the Army Air Corps. At the time, Mike was a baby, and he would never see his big brother again. Eugene Darter, flying on a B-17 Flying Fortress on his first mission, went down off Texel Island and was never seen again. Many years later, Mike began to search for the fate of the Lonesome Polecat II and its crew. He found that some of the men had, indeed, survived, after parachuting out slightly sooner and landing on Texel Island. Eugene, badly injured, had parachuted safely, but landed in the frigid waters and was unable to get to shore.
This book reads like a detective story, as Darter begins to make the connections needed to find out about his brother. He searches MACRs, interview survivors, researches the air battle after which the Polecat went down, and even travels to Texel Island to meet with the last man to see the plane and, possibly, his brother.
This is a fascinating book, full of maps and diagrams charting the data that Darter has meticulously collected. It is a fine tribute to the men of the Lonesome Polecat II.
★★★★★
- R. Morris
Purchase Your Copy
Ready to be inspired? Get your copy of "Vanished in Valor" on Amazon today and join the journey through the heart of bravery.
Purchase Your Copy
Ready to be inspired? Get your copy of "Vanished in Valor" on Amazon today and join the journey through the heart of bravery.
Contact the Author
Have questions or want to express your thoughts to Michael Darter? Reach out here and connect directly with the author. Your insights and interactions are valued.
Contact the Author
Have questions or want to express your thoughts to Michael Darter? Reach out here and connect directly with the author. Your insights and interactions are valued.
Stay Updated
Don't miss out on the latest news, upcoming releases, and exclusive content from Michael Darter. Subscribe for updates and become part of a community that celebrates valor beyond the battlefield.
Masters of the Air (Streaming Series, Apple TV+)
Vanished In Valor discovers the riveting saga of a B-17 crew hailing from the distinguished 95th Bomb Group, Eighth Air Force, during World War II. For those captivated by tales of heroism and sacrifice, immerse yourself in the compelling narrative brought to life by the new streaming series, Masters of the Air. Produced by the acclaimed duo of Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg, this Apple TV+ production illuminates the remarkable journey of the 100th Bomb Group, also of the Eighth Air Force. These two American bomb groups (and the 390th BG) braved over 300 missions together, as they all experienced the extremely dangerous sky of wartime Europe.
Stay Updated
Don't miss out on the latest news, upcoming releases, and exclusive content from Michael Darter. Subscribe for updates and become part of a community that celebrates valor beyond the battlefield.
Masters of the Air (Streaming Series, Apple TV+)
Vanished In Valor discovers the riveting saga of a B-17 crew hailing from the distinguished 95th Bomb Group, Eighth Air Force, during World War II. For those captivated by tales of heroism and sacrifice, immerse yourself in the compelling narrative brought to life by the new streaming series, Masters of the Air. Produced by the acclaimed duo of Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg, this Apple TV+ production illuminates the remarkable journey of the 100th Bomb Group, also of the Eighth Air Force. These two American bomb groups (and the 390th BG) braved over 300 missions together, as they all experienced the extremely dangerous sky of wartime Europe.
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Follow Michael Darter on social media for more insights, updates, and engaging content about "Vanished in Valor" and other works.
© 2025 Vanished In Valor
Connect on Social Media
Follow Michael Darter on social media for more insights, updates, and engaging content about "Vanished in Valor" and other works.