A memorial service will be held at a later date for John Doise Jeter, 83, of St. Martinville, a World War II aviation veteran who later was instrumental in development of the ground-to-air missile.

Jeter, who died Oct. 21, was as a tail gunner on a B-17 Bomber.

He flew 24 bombing missions in Europe. He was twice shot down behind enemy lines, was involved in two crashes with other bombers, and was the only survivor of 15 aboard when his airplane hit a church steeple in Italy the day after the armistice was signed in 1945.

He missile work for Martin Marietta led to employment at NASA where he set up and managed the materials analysis branch, which was responsible for the investigation of all failures of early manned spacecraft.

Jeter remained as chief of this division from the first manned flight in 1960 until the moon landing in 1969.

He and his wife Ethel

John and Ethel built and operated the Saint Martin Preparatory School from 1985 until 2000.

Survivors include his wife and two sons.

Pellerin Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.