Francis Parsley Reported Missing Over Germany

One of Three Parsley Boys In Service; Head Gunner on Flying Fort

Mr. and Mrs. M. H. Parsley, who lived in Carrollton since 1918 until last August when they moved to a home on the Northwest Highway, received a telegram from the War Department last week saying their son, S-Sgt. Francis M. Parsley, is missing in action since the 11th day of April. He was missing over Germany.
A letter following a few days later advised the parents to not think of their son as dead since they have no proof to that effect and saying the case is by no means closed. They suggested Sgt Parsley might have been taken prisoner when his plane was shot down over Germany, or he might have escaped and is making his way back to his base.
Sgt. Parsley has been stationed in England since Feb 7 and this year. He was an engineer and head gunner on a B-17 Flying Fortress.
Moving over the United States, Sgt. Parsley was stationed at Ft. Sill Okla. and from there sent to Jefferson Barracks, Mo., then to Chanute Field, Ill. on to LeMoore Field, Calif., then to Salt Lake City, Utah, to Ephrata, Wash., to Greiger Field, Wash., then to Langley FIe3ld, Va., and from there he went to England.
The family expresses appreciation for the sympathy cards they have received.
Another son Pvt. Leroy Parsley is now stationed in England. He has been overseas since the first of February, and a third son. Pvt. Joseph E. Parsley, is in the infantry at South Camp Hood near Killeen. He has been in service only six weeks and his wife and three children are making their home with her parents in Dallas.
While they were only thirty-five miles apart in England, Leroy and Francis had not seen each other since Leroy landed in England, Francis had a furlough scheduled on the 20th of this month and had planned to visit his brother then.
Pvt. Joseph Parsley was bookkeeper here for the Lyon-Gray Lumber Co., for about four years, leaving in 1941 to work for Continental Motors in Garland.
All three Parsley boys attended Carrollton high school.

The Carrollton Chronicle - May 12, 1944
Submitted by Edward Lynn Williams