THE WALL OF FACES

Dan and I were stick buddies in Flight school. I liked him immediately. Can still remember his voice. I know Dan would have made a fine husband and a great Dad. His family and the world lost a lot when Dan died.

Dan (on the left) and another Scout Pilot

I remember Dan from my brief time in the Scout Platoon. I recently saw a photo of Dan and I standing in our hut, no smiles for the camera. Dan was new in the Scout Platoon, and very serious about being a good scout pilot. The flight surgeons had recently grounded me, and as it turned out, I would never fly again. Dan and I both knew how dangerous it was to be a scout pilot, we speculated on which of us really had the better deal.

Men like Dan must always be remembered. At great risk and the sacrifice of his life, he did his duty. I remember him as a hero.

To the Family of Lt. Dan Coombs,
It has been 40 years for me since I learned of Dan's and Joe'S death. I flew quite a few missions with Dan and he was a great pilot. I would really like to meet his family and let them know how good he was to each of us (his Observer) and the respect we all had for him. I miss him amd Joe everyday and have for the past 40 years. I am now retired and receiving help from the VA for PTSD but would be very greatful to hear from a family member and share some 'Good times' with Lt. Dan', Please contact me by email at [email protected] or by phone (Home: 434-974-2290 or Cell: 434-272-9051). On August 13 I will be in Maryland for the burial of Joe Blickenstaff, Jr. who was with Dan when they were shot down and killed. Joe will be buried next to his Father who passed last year. Hope to hear from someone in the family.
Thanks,
John E. 'Lili' Liljegren
P.S. No one could pronounce my last name so everyone just called me Lili.

Remembered