First Lieutenant John Thomas Fincher, from Waldo, flew 30 combat missions as a B-17 bomber pilot with the 381st Bomb Group, 532nd Squadron during World War II. On his second mission, an engine was shot out over the enemy target, preventing him from staying in formation. The Luftwaffe sent planes to shoot down his aircraft, but he managed to return to base, barely above tree top level. As the pilot of a B-17, he commanded his crew, led squadron and flight in combat, maintained flight records, and supervised the maintenance of his aircraft. Adverse weather conditions required extensive instrument flying.

For his service in the war, Fincher received several medals, including four Bronze Air Medals, three Bronze Service Stars for the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign, the World War II Victory Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the Honorable Service Lapel Button for World War II, and the Presidential Unit Citation.

After the war, Fincher returned home and pursued a degree in accounting from the University of Arkansas. He then went to work, married, attended church, and raised a family. Throughout his life, he did not seek recognition or reward for his service, considering it his duty and privilege to serve the United States.

In 2004, the producers of "In Their Words: AETN's World War II Oral History Project" were researching another WWII veteran in Waldo, AR, when local citizens suggested they interview Fincher, noting his experience as a B-17 pilot. Fincher shared his experiences aboard the "Mizpah" and the "Century Note" in the 381st Bomb Group in the 8th Air Force in the European Theater of Operations. He participated in many dangerous missions, including the famous Daylight Raids on Germany.

Fincher was featured in the 90-minute documentary, providing first-hand knowledge of WWII for future generations and creating a lasting memory for his family and friends. He also traveled with the Arkansas Educational Television Network to Washington, D.C., to visit the National World War II Memorial on a four-day "Tribute Tour."