Navy Federal Credit Union

During World War II, Robert Coffey became a U.S. Army Air Forces ACE, credited with shooting down 6 enemy aircraft in aerial combat. After the war he transferred to the new U.S. Air Force, but resigned from active duty in 1948 when he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Pennsylvania. He was killed in the crash of Lockheed F-80A Shooting Star, while on take-off from Kirtland AFB, New Mexico, on April 20, 1949. The U.S. House of Representatives recessed for one day in his honor.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    356th Fighter Group

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Robert Lewis Coffey, Jr. (ASN: 0-395286), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Fighter Pilot of the 356th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    356th Fighter Group

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Robert Lewis Coffey, Jr. (ASN: 0-395286), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Fighter Pilot of the 356th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    356th Fighter Group

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Robert Lewis Coffey, Jr. (ASN: 0-395286), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Fighter Pilot of the 356th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.