About
Charles Douglas Coons was born in Schenectady, New York, on October 16, 1924. He was a graduate of Nott Terrace High School and worked at White's Service Station.
On December 11, 1942, Charles enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps and began his training at Scott Field in Illinois. On December 23, 1943, he earned his radio technician degree. He held the rank of Sergeant and served 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 was killed in battle over the Tirreno Sea. His body was never found. He is remembered on the Tablets of the Missing, Sicily Rome American Cemetery and Memorial, 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