About



World War II (1939-1945)

Charles Douglas Coons was born in Schenectady, New York, on October 16, 1924. He grew up in the city of Schenectady and graduated from Nott Terrace High School. Before entering the military, he was employed at White's Service Station.

On December 11, 1942, Charles enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps. He underwent military training at Scott Field in Illinois. On December 23, 1943, he earned his radio technician degree. He was a sergeant serving with the 763rd Bomber Squadron, 460th Bomber Group, Heavy. On a B-24 Consolidated Liberator, Charles served as the top turret gunner and radio operator. He sailed for overseas deployment on June 18, 1944, and on August 6, 1944, he went missing in battle over the Tirreno Sea. He is remembered on the Tablets of the Missing, Sicily Rome American Cemetery and Memorial in Italy.

Sources: The Schenectady Gazette, Find A Grave, Ancestry


 

"Keep a little fire burning; however small, however hidden."
~Cormac McCarthy
 
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
 
For the Fallen
Laurence Binyon