After bailing and parachuting from his damaged aircraft near Lake Balaton in Poland, McCreary was accosted by angry civilians until enemy German soldiers interceded and captured him, transporting him to several prison camps.

[4] On March 25, 1943, Ashley graduated as a member of the Single Engine Section Cadet Class SE-43-C, receiving his silver wings and commission as a 2nd Lieutenant.

"[4] McCready's missions included bomber escort, strafing and patrol over France, Germany, Italy, Austria, Romania, Poland, Greece, Hungary and Yugoslavia.

[4] After bailing from his aircraft near Lake Balaton, McCreary was accosted by angry civilians until enemy German soldiers interceded and captured him, transporting him to several prison camps.

McCready eventually landed at the infamous multinational German POW camp, Stalag Luft III, near Budapest, Hungary.

[5] Held in captivity for 9 months, McCready was liberated on April 29, 1945, when General George Patton captured Stalag III, freeing all POWs.

[4] After leaving the U.S. military, McCreary worked as the Deputy Director of the Ohio Department of Finance and Administrative Services, retiring in 1983 after 20 years.