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Read The Anchor. Greater Austin Council's Award Winning Newsletter |
a veteran tribute

oyce Edward Deen, an Aviation Machinist's Mate, Second Class, U.S. Navy. Born 24 April 1921, in Sulpher Oklahoma, the youngest of seven to Allen Deen and Grace Lance.
Deen enlisted in the United States Navy in October 1942 and served in Torpedo Squadron {VT-15} USS Essex {CV-9}.
On 5 November 1944, his squadron Air Group 15, also known as the "Fabled 15" participated in a raid on Manila where his plane was hit multiple times by anti-aircraft fire while attacking a Japanese cruiser, killing Deen. The Avenger's pilot, Lt Robert Cosgrove, managed to return to his carrier, the USS Essex.
Both Deen and the plane had been shot up so badly that it was decided to leave him in the aircraft and bury both at sea. This is the only documented time in U.S. Navy history that an aviator was buried in his aircraft after being killed in action.
Awards: Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, Purple Heart - Buried at Sea
Deen enlisted in the United States Navy in October 1942 and served in Torpedo Squadron {VT-15} USS Essex {CV-9}.
On 5 November 1944, his squadron Air Group 15, also known as the "Fabled 15" participated in a raid on Manila where his plane was hit multiple times by anti-aircraft fire while attacking a Japanese cruiser, killing Deen. The Avenger's pilot, Lt Robert Cosgrove, managed to return to his carrier, the USS Essex.
Both Deen and the plane had been shot up so badly that it was decided to leave him in the aircraft and bury both at sea. This is the only documented time in U.S. Navy history that an aviator was buried in his aircraft after being killed in action.
Awards: Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, Purple Heart - Buried at Sea