BURIED  AT  SEA  IN  HIS  PLANE

Aviation Machinist Mate Second Class Loyce Edward Deen was attached to Torpedo Squadro Fifteen (VT-15) and served as a gunner on Grumman TBM Avenger aircraft.  On November 5, 1944, the squadron was in action against Japanese forces in a raid on Manila, Philippines.  During the action his TBM attacked a Japanese cruiser, and his plane was struck multiple times by anti-aircraft fire.  During the action Deen was killed when gunfire struck and destroyed his position.  Although severe damage occurred to the TBM, it was able to successfully return to the USS Essex (CV-9).  Examination of the TBM disclosed it had suffered more damage than could be repaired and it was impossible to remove Deen’s remains.  Accordingly, it was decided to push the TBM overboard with Deen’s mangled remains in it after a proper burial ceremony was held.

This is thought to be the only time in U.S. Navy history, and probably U.S. military history, that an aircraft crew member was purposely buried at sea in his aircraft acting as a coffin after being killed in action.  Deen is memorialized as his name is inscribed on the Walls of the Missing at the American Cemetery and Memorial in Manila, Philippines.

                                      Crewmen  examining Deen's estroyed location

Submitted by CDR Roy A. Mosteller, USNR (Ret)