Vanished in Valor

Vanished In Valor unravels the true story of Staff Sergeant Eugene F. Darter, a crew member in the esteemed 8th Air Force during World War II. Originally recruited by the US Navy in 1931 to become an undercover investigator of subversive activities, he later went on to become a private detective investigator and then joined the Army Air Force war effort in 1942. During his last furlough home, he formed a deep bond with his younger brother, Michael, before heading to the bloody World War frontlines. In 1943 a fierce battle raged over Nazi-occupied Europe, and every day young airmen faced great risk of injury and death. Eugene and his crew embarked on a perilous mission that led to injuries and imprisonment of seven (POW), and the mysterious disappearance of three who never returned at the end of the war (MIA), including Eugene.

Decades of mourning and speculation followed, with Michael vowing to uncover the truth of his brother’s vanishment. In 2000, a serendipitous internet search led to the incredible discovery of four surviving crewmates, who shared what they knew about Eugene and the two pilots, and the rest of the crew during fierce aerial combat. These and other discoveries ignited an investigative journey through eye-witnesses’ stories of heroism, love, loss, and miracles.

Meet Dr. Michael Darter, a dedicated author and engineering professor, who has devoted years of his life to discovering the fate of his brother Eugene and crewmates. With meticulous research, Vanished In Valor presents a strong tribute to their sacrifice. Michael has engaged with surviving crewmates, families, veterans, institutions, archives, and fellow researchers, weaving together the tapestry of their fateful mission. In his endeavor to honor the fallen and offer closure, Michael sheds light on the horrors of war, where so many airmen paid the ultimate sacrifice, never to return home. The latest search for Eugene's remains led to the review of more than 800 X-files of buried, unknown Americans in Europe, and the discovery of a few potential matches with Eugene that after further documentation will be submitted to the US Government for DNA testing. Dr. Darter advocates for more DNA testing of remains of unknowns to "Bring Them Home," to better preserve and honor their ultimate sacrifice.