Sailor Killed During World War II Accounted For (Rybarczyk)

Aug. 16, 2017 — Navy Reserve Aviation Radioman 2nd Class Albert P. Rybarczyk, killed during World War II, has now been accounted for.

On Sept. 8, 1944, Rybarczyk was a member of the Navy Torpedo Squadron Eighteen (VT-18), USS Intrepid, on a bombing mission against Japanese positions on Babelthuap Island, Palau. As the aircraft reached the target area, the pilot began a dive near Bokerugeru Point and the crew released its 2,000-pound bomb. While attempting to pull out of the dive, the bomb hit an ammunition dump and exploded. The explosion tore the tail from the aircraft, causing it to crash off-shore. Rybarczyk was reported missing in action.

Interment services are pending; a formal notification will be released 7-10 days prior to scheduled funeral services.

DPAA is grateful to the Project Recover for their assistance in this recovery.

Rybarczyk's name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at an American Battle Monuments Commission site along with the others who are missing from World War II. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

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