At about 23,000 feet, on an escort mission, on 26 November 1944, Lt Coward's plane started slipping out of formation. He was called on the radio to see if he was OK but received no answer. He swung out in a gentle diving turn to the right, spiraled down to about 15,000 feet then pulled up, did a snap-roll, and dived vertically into the deck and his plane crashed and exploded.
German reports stated that the crash was caused by enemy shooting, presumably downed by a fighter plane. However 1st Lt Coward's ship's actions indicated the possibility of him suffering from anoxia.
German reports stated that the crash was caused by enemy shooting, presumably downed by a fighter plane. However 1st Lt Coward's ship's actions indicated the possibility of him suffering from anoxia.
At about 23,000 feet, on an escort mission, on 26 November 1944, Lt Coward's plane started slipping out of formation. He was called on the radio to see if he was OK but received no answer. He swung out in a gentle diving turn to the right, spiraled down to about 15,000 feet then pulled up, did a snap-roll, and dived vertically into the deck and his plane crashed and exploded.
German reports stated that the crash was caused by enemy shooting, presumably downed by a fighter plane. However 1st Lt Coward's ship's actions indicated the possibility of him suffering from anoxia.
German reports stated that the crash was caused by enemy shooting, presumably downed by a fighter plane. However 1st Lt Coward's ship's actions indicated the possibility of him suffering from anoxia.
Gravesite Details
Entered the service from Ohio.
Family Members
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