On February 2, 1943, Aircraft 129828 from Columbia Army Air Base, South Carolina, crashed into Sharp Top Mountain during a low-level nighttime navigational training mission. The B-25D Mitchell bomber's five crewmen were 2nd Lt. George R. Beninga, bombardier, age 23, of Marietta, Minnesota; Corporal Peter J. Biscan, engineer, age 29, of Chicago, Illinois; 2nd Lt. Hilary S. Blackwell, navigator, age 22, of Santa Monica, California; 2nd Lt. William C. McClure, co-pilot, age 22, of Indianapolis, Indiana; and 2nd Lt. Paul M. Pitts, pilot, age 21, of Poteau, Oklahoma. They lost their lives in the service of their country.