419 "Moose" Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force during the Second World War when he died attempting to help rescue a trapped crew member.

In early June, de Bryne's crew received Canadian-built Avro Lancaster Mk X bomber, #KB726, coded "VR-A" (call sign A for Able).

[3] In the aftermath of D-Day attacks on 12 June 1944, Mynarski was aboard KB726,[4] taking part in the crew's 12th[5] operation, a raid on Cambrai in northern France.

After encountering flak over the coastline and briefly being "coned" by searchlights, the Lancaster was attacked by a Junkers Ju 88 enemy night fighter.

All his efforts were in vain, initially using a fire axe to try to pry open the doors before finally resorting to beating at the turret with his hands.

When bomb aimer Jack Friday, tried to release the escape hatch cover in the aircraft's nose, the rushing wind ripped it from his hands.

[8] Mynarski's descent was rapid due to the burnt parachute and shroud lines, resulting in a heavy impact on landing.

French farmers who spotted the flaming bomber found him and took him to a German field hospital but he died shortly afterwards of severe burns.

As the bomber disintegrated, and began breaking apart, Brophy survived the crash and the subsequent detonation of the bomb load.

In late 1945, de Breyne started the process of gaining recognition for Mynarski's extraordinary deed by recommending an award and enquiring about the location of his grave.

A chain of three lakes in Manitoba has been named after him by the Geographical Placenames of Canada and at CFB Penhold, one of the locations in which he trained, the married quarters area is known as Mynarski Park.

This memorial site is a collection of nine busts and five statues and a large bronze wall inscription that commemorates 14 individuals celebrated for their personal contributions, but also representing critical moments in Canada's military history.

In January 2006, a group of local Winnipeggers prominent in business, government, heritage, military and community organizations embarked on a fund-raising project to cast and erect in Winnipeg, a new statue in a campaign known as "Bring Andrew home".

The Mynarski Statue Project operated under the auspices of the Air Cadet League of Canada (Manitoba) Inc. including the parents' committee of 573 Andrew Mynarski VC Royal Canadian Air Cadets Squadron, with support from the Canadian Aviation Historical Society.

The Mynarski Statue Project Committee coordinated fundraising and community support and received important media coverage through journalist Mr. Gordon Sinclair Jr. of the Winnipeg Free Press.

Fundraising and communication efforts continued until 2010, when a Winnipeg business owner and philanthropist, Brian Frank Klaponski became involved.

The artist presented several concepts to the Committee as sketches and maquettes, with the final statue design chosen in 2013.