Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Merle
Milton
Coons
March 25, 1921

–

December 13, 1997

Born:

Arlington

, 

Oregon

Home:

Gresham

, 

Oregon

Buried: 

Troutdale

, 

Oregon

Cemetery:

Douglass Pioneer Cemetery

During World War II, Merle Coons became a U.S. Army Air Forces ACE, credited with shooting down 5 enemy aircraft in aerial combat. After the war he transferred to the new U.S. Air Force, and retired in 1968 as a Colonel.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Action Date:

    June 1, 1958 – July 1, 1961
    Department of the Air Force, Special Orders G-113 (October 13, 1961)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel Merle Milton Coons (ASN: 0-737733), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from 1 June 1958 to 1 July 1961. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Coons culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and his dedicated contributions in the Service of his Country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Captain (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    38th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    55th Fighter Group

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) Merle Milton Coons (ASN: 0-737733), 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 38th Fighter Squadron, 55th 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.