| Wonderful site called "Together We Served" has a nice recap of McCoy's chronologies and service. Well done. |
Finally managed to unearth a reference to McCoy's early RCAF service, a cool piece that ran August 23rd,
1940. McCoy, a 35-year old RCAF instructor trainee, is circled. Some additional info outside the picture follows:
August 23rd, 1940 - The Niagara Falls Gazette
U.S. Pilots Now Members of R.C.A.F.
A dozen American pilots whose flying experience totals 150 years are at Manning Depot of the R.C.A.F., at
Toronto, training to be Instructors with the R.C.A.F. Their experience ranges up to 7.000 hours flying for some
and some of them are real war veterans, having fought in Bolivia, Mexico, China or in the first World War.
Among the U.S. pilots, all of whom are now flying officers of the R.C.A.F., are, left to right, bottom row, P. T.
Burton. New York; Michael N. W. McCoy. Los Angeles; R. D. Toltachln, Pasadena, Calif.; middle row, H. R.
Montgomery, Hollywood, Calif.; H. W. Olaham, Los Angeles; A. D. Rhodes. North Carolina; G. C DeBaud, Los
Angeles; back row, C. E. Manhart. Los Angeles: G. L. Shelton, Los Angeles: William V. Mudrs, Los Angeles; W. R.
Swanson, Long Beach, Calif.
1940. McCoy, a 35-year old RCAF instructor trainee, is circled. Some additional info outside the picture follows:
August 23rd, 1940 - The Niagara Falls Gazette
U.S. Pilots Now Members of R.C.A.F.
A dozen American pilots whose flying experience totals 150 years are at Manning Depot of the R.C.A.F., at
Toronto, training to be Instructors with the R.C.A.F. Their experience ranges up to 7.000 hours flying for some
and some of them are real war veterans, having fought in Bolivia, Mexico, China or in the first World War.
Among the U.S. pilots, all of whom are now flying officers of the R.C.A.F., are, left to right, bottom row, P. T.
Burton. New York; Michael N. W. McCoy. Los Angeles; R. D. Toltachln, Pasadena, Calif.; middle row, H. R.
Montgomery, Hollywood, Calif.; H. W. Olaham, Los Angeles; A. D. Rhodes. North Carolina; G. C DeBaud, Los
Angeles; back row, C. E. Manhart. Los Angeles: G. L. Shelton, Los Angeles: William V. Mudrs, Los Angeles; W. R.
Swanson, Long Beach, Calif.
Committed to production in 1949, the B-47B medium bomber first made its appearance in the 306th Bomb
Wing on 23 October 1951. On that day. Colonel Michael N. W. McCoy, Wing Commander, flew the first
operational (but not combat-ready) B-47 (Serial Number 50-008) from the Boeing Airplane Company plant at
Wichita, Kansas, to MacDill Air Force Base, Florida. On 19 November, in a ceremony at MacDill, this B-47B was
named "The Real McCoy." The Commander of the 306th would go on to accept 12 more before the end of the
year. The B-47B was a revolutionary aircraft. It was powered by six J47-GE-11 engines (until re-fitted with the
more powerful J47-GE-23) jet engines, strut-mounted under the wings, and was categorized as a 600 mph
bomber. The authorized complement was 45 for each wing.
Wing on 23 October 1951. On that day. Colonel Michael N. W. McCoy, Wing Commander, flew the first
operational (but not combat-ready) B-47 (Serial Number 50-008) from the Boeing Airplane Company plant at
Wichita, Kansas, to MacDill Air Force Base, Florida. On 19 November, in a ceremony at MacDill, this B-47B was
named "The Real McCoy." The Commander of the 306th would go on to accept 12 more before the end of the
year. The B-47B was a revolutionary aircraft. It was powered by six J47-GE-11 engines (until re-fitted with the
more powerful J47-GE-23) jet engines, strut-mounted under the wings, and was categorized as a 600 mph
bomber. The authorized complement was 45 for each wing.
Nice one-page tribute set up by a "Grateful American." I am hereby grateful to that "Grateful American."
US Army Registry Website Link
US Army Registry Website Link
This shot of Col. McCoy was taken in September 1957, a month before he would perish. The other fellow appears
to be then-Captain James George Gallagher, who piloted the Lucky Lady II in the 1st non-stop around the world
flight using in-flight refueling, here pictured as another command pilot with a two-star rank of Major General.
McCoy holds a small toy-like item that was perhaps a gift? Did some research and found a single picture of one
amid the Reginald Luycx Collection. It is highly likely to be the McCoy Nike cl prop car with 049 diesel, possibly
made by his brother, Dick McCoy, a pioneer in model engine building. Close ups reveal "McCoy" stamped on the
propellor blade so, if it was a gift, it was a pretty cool one!
to be then-Captain James George Gallagher, who piloted the Lucky Lady II in the 1st non-stop around the world
flight using in-flight refueling, here pictured as another command pilot with a two-star rank of Major General.
McCoy holds a small toy-like item that was perhaps a gift? Did some research and found a single picture of one
amid the Reginald Luycx Collection. It is highly likely to be the McCoy Nike cl prop car with 049 diesel, possibly
made by his brother, Dick McCoy, a pioneer in model engine building. Close ups reveal "McCoy" stamped on the
propellor blade so, if it was a gift, it was a pretty cool one!
The McCoy Nike cl prop car with 049 diesel, possibly created by Mike's brother Dick
McCoy, a huge name in model engine building. This is the only picture I could find of one.
Here, about half-way down the page: Anyone know what the "cl" stands for?
http://www.reginaldluycx.be/collectie4.html
McCoy, a huge name in model engine building. This is the only picture I could find of one.
Here, about half-way down the page: Anyone know what the "cl" stands for?
http://www.reginaldluycx.be/collectie4.html
A shot from November 24, 1953. Colonel McCoy stands on the right there with his Command Pilot wings. The
fellow on the left is Major General James Edwin. Roberts, a contemporary of McCoy’s and a Colonel in this
picture. Roberts was born in Pettus, Texas in 1909, and began his military career in 1932 and graduated flying
school in 1933 as a Second Lieutenant. He left the service briefly in 1935, but re-entered in 1937. In 1939, Roberts
became the Director of Training for the B-26 Marauder School in Del Rio, Texas. Here he was awarded the Legion
of Merit and went on to become a Command Pilot by 1942. Over the next 9 years he would served with the 6th
Bomber Command, graduate from the School of Applied Tactics here in Orlando in 1945 and eventually become
Commander of the 39th Bomb Group’s 314th Wing, stationed on Guam, earning a Air Medal for missions against
the Japanese mainland. McCoy also served on Guam for the 315th around this time. The next few years were full
of command classes and subsequent command posts at Mather Field, California, Randolph Field, Texas,
Goodfellow AFB, Texas, where he eventually assumed command as a Colonel and, in October, 1950, Tyndall AFB
in Panama City, Florida.
Most significantly for McCoy was Roberts’ assignment as the Air Training Command’s project officer to rebuild
Pinecastle AFB, assuming command of it on January 10, 1952 and overseeing a $100 million military construction
program (MILICON) . On December 15th, 1953, the same day the 321st Bombardment Wing (Medium) was activated
at Pinecastle AFB (absorbing all B-47 bombers and KC-97 tankers at the base), Roberts was promoted temporarily
to Brigadier General . The B-47 combat crew training mission was also transferred from ATC to SAC. Fifteen days
later, Roberts was assigned as Wing Commander at Nellis AFB, Nevada and would later have various assignments
in Europe and the U.S., ultimately advancing to the rank of Major General on August 9, 1957.
So, this shot was taken one month before Roberts’ departure from newly reconstructed Pine Castle AFB.
Less than 5 months later, on May 24, 1954, Colonel Michael N. W. McCoy was appointed commander of the 321st
Bombardment Wing at Pinecastle, having earned the unofficial distinction of being the "dean" of the Strategic Air
Command’s B-47 "Stratojet" aircraft commanders.
fellow on the left is Major General James Edwin. Roberts, a contemporary of McCoy’s and a Colonel in this
picture. Roberts was born in Pettus, Texas in 1909, and began his military career in 1932 and graduated flying
school in 1933 as a Second Lieutenant. He left the service briefly in 1935, but re-entered in 1937. In 1939, Roberts
became the Director of Training for the B-26 Marauder School in Del Rio, Texas. Here he was awarded the Legion
of Merit and went on to become a Command Pilot by 1942. Over the next 9 years he would served with the 6th
Bomber Command, graduate from the School of Applied Tactics here in Orlando in 1945 and eventually become
Commander of the 39th Bomb Group’s 314th Wing, stationed on Guam, earning a Air Medal for missions against
the Japanese mainland. McCoy also served on Guam for the 315th around this time. The next few years were full
of command classes and subsequent command posts at Mather Field, California, Randolph Field, Texas,
Goodfellow AFB, Texas, where he eventually assumed command as a Colonel and, in October, 1950, Tyndall AFB
in Panama City, Florida.
Most significantly for McCoy was Roberts’ assignment as the Air Training Command’s project officer to rebuild
Pinecastle AFB, assuming command of it on January 10, 1952 and overseeing a $100 million military construction
program (MILICON) . On December 15th, 1953, the same day the 321st Bombardment Wing (Medium) was activated
at Pinecastle AFB (absorbing all B-47 bombers and KC-97 tankers at the base), Roberts was promoted temporarily
to Brigadier General . The B-47 combat crew training mission was also transferred from ATC to SAC. Fifteen days
later, Roberts was assigned as Wing Commander at Nellis AFB, Nevada and would later have various assignments
in Europe and the U.S., ultimately advancing to the rank of Major General on August 9, 1957.
So, this shot was taken one month before Roberts’ departure from newly reconstructed Pine Castle AFB.
Less than 5 months later, on May 24, 1954, Colonel Michael N. W. McCoy was appointed commander of the 321st
Bombardment Wing at Pinecastle, having earned the unofficial distinction of being the "dean" of the Strategic Air
Command’s B-47 "Stratojet" aircraft commanders.
This photo was taken on or around April 30, 1957, a little more than 5 months before the crash that would
sadly take his life. I can't be sure of the depicted baseball game without assistance, but it appears ol' Mike
is warming up to maybe throw out the opening pitch for the game? The big Orlando ball field then was
Tinker Field, the spring training home of the Brooklyn Dodgers, Cincinnati Reds, Washington Senators and
Minnesota Twins, for which the background light posts seem to match up. Any ideas?
sadly take his life. I can't be sure of the depicted baseball game without assistance, but it appears ol' Mike
is warming up to maybe throw out the opening pitch for the game? The big Orlando ball field then was
Tinker Field, the spring training home of the Brooklyn Dodgers, Cincinnati Reds, Washington Senators and
Minnesota Twins, for which the background light posts seem to match up. Any ideas?
This is the exact photo that also hangs in the lobby of the Orlando City Hall featuring Colonel Michael N. W. McCoy
in front. Taken around late March, 1954, at Pine Castle Air Force Base in Orlando with J. Rolfe Davis (1904-1988),
who served as Mayor of Orlando from 1953 to 1956. Col. McCoy died in a flight demonstration of a Boeing B-47
Stratojet. The bomber had a faulty wing and crashed north of Orlando. As a result, Pinecastle Air Force Base
became, McCoy Air Force Base to honor the memory of Col. McCoy. In 1974, McCoy AFB officially closed. What
used to be McCoy Air Force Base is now Orlando International Airport. Some of the base property went to private
companies for research purposes.
in front. Taken around late March, 1954, at Pine Castle Air Force Base in Orlando with J. Rolfe Davis (1904-1988),
who served as Mayor of Orlando from 1953 to 1956. Col. McCoy died in a flight demonstration of a Boeing B-47
Stratojet. The bomber had a faulty wing and crashed north of Orlando. As a result, Pinecastle Air Force Base
became, McCoy Air Force Base to honor the memory of Col. McCoy. In 1974, McCoy AFB officially closed. What
used to be McCoy Air Force Base is now Orlando International Airport. Some of the base property went to private
companies for research purposes.
On a trip to Washington, D.C., I had the honor of visiting McCoy's final resting place in nearby Arlington
cemetery, just a stone's throw from JFK's grave. Rest in peace, sir, and thank you not only for your service to
our country, but for my Mom as well, your daughter Pamela Anne, my Aunt Penny, and my grandmother "Babs,"
real name Alice. There must be one hell of a family reunion going on up in Heaven right now.
cemetery, just a stone's throw from JFK's grave. Rest in peace, sir, and thank you not only for your service to
our country, but for my Mom as well, your daughter Pamela Anne, my Aunt Penny, and my grandmother "Babs,"
real name Alice. There must be one hell of a family reunion going on up in Heaven right now.
My mom and dad gave me this Strategic Air Command patch and a few others in the mid-sixties, so that tells me
they're likely originals. I was told this was the type of patch McCoy would have worn at one time. But when I search
on the Internet, I see a million permutations of the color schemes and dimensions for this patch. Do any of our
military buffs out there know how one differentiates the legit and original patch from non-GI versions and copies, or
did they vary according to the whims of personnel ordering them? There are huge numbers of them on eBay but
they can vary in appearance from auction to auction. I've seen black borders, clouds all white with no interior
"puffiness" lines, gauntlet stripes versus dots, etc. Were these patches just a dime a dozen and had to be only
generally correct? Was there the option back then for supply sergeants to order them with a, "Go ahead and make
that border yellow this time."? Seems like military dress was so defined that there would not be much wiggle room
on these patches. Anyone?
Bruce Hertsch: I collected patches for some years. There are changes over time, plus a certain amount of
difference between suppliers at times. Not so much on a supply level at a base. I was in the AF for 22 years and saw
both gradual and sudden changes in patches during that time. That is a nice SAC patch, unusual in the white border
(usually it is yellow) but for all I know it was worn with a white border for years. Definitely a genuine looking patch.
Rich Al Bee: If you got this in the mid sixties, it is legit!! Just for information purposes, I am going to start collecting
historical items like this for a future tribute display at OIA.
they're likely originals. I was told this was the type of patch McCoy would have worn at one time. But when I search
on the Internet, I see a million permutations of the color schemes and dimensions for this patch. Do any of our
military buffs out there know how one differentiates the legit and original patch from non-GI versions and copies, or
did they vary according to the whims of personnel ordering them? There are huge numbers of them on eBay but
they can vary in appearance from auction to auction. I've seen black borders, clouds all white with no interior
"puffiness" lines, gauntlet stripes versus dots, etc. Were these patches just a dime a dozen and had to be only
generally correct? Was there the option back then for supply sergeants to order them with a, "Go ahead and make
that border yellow this time."? Seems like military dress was so defined that there would not be much wiggle room
on these patches. Anyone?
Bruce Hertsch: I collected patches for some years. There are changes over time, plus a certain amount of
difference between suppliers at times. Not so much on a supply level at a base. I was in the AF for 22 years and saw
both gradual and sudden changes in patches during that time. That is a nice SAC patch, unusual in the white border
(usually it is yellow) but for all I know it was worn with a white border for years. Definitely a genuine looking patch.
Rich Al Bee: If you got this in the mid sixties, it is legit!! Just for information purposes, I am going to start collecting
historical items like this for a future tribute display at OIA.
This is SAC patch I have from the early 1980s. I was in SAC at that time and this is one I got.
This amazing footage has been available for a few years, segment 1 of 3. There's McCoy, doing what he does best:
flyin' those big ass birds!
Critical Past Clips of McCoy Flying the Stratofortress!
flyin' those big ass birds!
Critical Past Clips of McCoy Flying the Stratofortress!
"McCoy Air Force Base was named for Colonel Michael Norman Wright McCoy (1905–1957) on 7 May 1958. Col
McCoy was killed on 9 October 1957 in the crash of a B-47 Stratojet (DB-47B-35-BW), AF Ser. No. 51-2177A, of
the 447th Bomb Squadron, 321st Bomb Wing, which suffered wing failure northwest of downtown Orlando,
Florida while taking part in a practice demonstration during the annual Strategic Air Command Bombing
Navigation and Reconnaissance Competition at Pinecastle AFB, Florida. McCoy was the aircraft commander
during the flight and the mishap aircraft was one of two at Pinecastle that had been modified to carry the GAM-
63 RASCAL air-to-surface missile.
At the time of his death, McCoy was serving as the commander of the 321st Bombardment Wing, the host wing
of Pinecastle AFB. A hugely popular figure in Central Florida, Colonel McCoy was buried at Arlington National
Cemetery in a funeral that included a flyover of multiple B-47s."- wikipedia
McCoy was killed on 9 October 1957 in the crash of a B-47 Stratojet (DB-47B-35-BW), AF Ser. No. 51-2177A, of
the 447th Bomb Squadron, 321st Bomb Wing, which suffered wing failure northwest of downtown Orlando,
Florida while taking part in a practice demonstration during the annual Strategic Air Command Bombing
Navigation and Reconnaissance Competition at Pinecastle AFB, Florida. McCoy was the aircraft commander
during the flight and the mishap aircraft was one of two at Pinecastle that had been modified to carry the GAM-
63 RASCAL air-to-surface missile.
At the time of his death, McCoy was serving as the commander of the 321st Bombardment Wing, the host wing
of Pinecastle AFB. A hugely popular figure in Central Florida, Colonel McCoy was buried at Arlington National
Cemetery in a funeral that included a flyover of multiple B-47s."- wikipedia
Andrew Rodriguez A lot of important Military history took place at McCoy AFB and Orlando International Airport, another example on this date 25
Years ago today the 138th Aviation Company, a U.S. Army Reserve unit based at MCO was activated for Operation Desert Shield.
Orange County Regional History Center Pine Castle AFB is featured prominently in Susan Carol McCarthy's latest book, "A Place We Knew Well'"
which she will be discussing on Oct. 25th at the History Center.
Don Price Col. McCoy was buried at Arlington but, few remember his co-pilot that day, Lt. Col. Charles Joyce, is buried at Greenwood Cemetery.
Steve Vaughn That crash occurred just a little northwest of the intersection of Lee Road and 441.
Ben Bateman A lot of significant developments related to the air war during WW2 were made at Pine Castle AFB. This work continued for a while
after the war until the base was deactivated. I'm not sure the year it was reactivated, sometime in the early 1950's. Growing up in Pine Castle, we
were always proud of the AFB and the contributions they made to our community.
John Olin Anyone interested in looking by for remaining artifact pieces or crash debris at the site?
Andrew Rodriguez Also, some of the first unpowered tests of the Bell X-1 took place at Pinecastle, before moving on to Edwards AFB in California to
break the Sound Barrier
Andrew Rodriguez And Major Rudolf Anderson took of from McCoy AFB in his U-2 and was shot down over Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis
Jim Stratford I was assigned to the 321st BW's descendant unit, the 321st Strategic Missile Wing at Grand Forks AFB, ND from 1981-1984. I would
have rather been stationed in Florida than North Dakota! That unit was deactivated in 1998 and reactivated from 2002-2004 and 2008-2011 as the
321st Air Expeditionary Wing at Sather Air Base, Baghdad International Airport, Iraq to train the Iraqi Air Force. Long and distinguished service.
Dann Kirkconnell Pottinger Col. McCoy's plane was also carrying a visiting contingency of British Air Force men. Crash was on old Rose Dairy (Sen.
Walter Rose's) - now Rosemont.
Tammy Lentz-Fowler I live in what was the base housing. Houses built in the 1960's. GREAT house!
James E. Jim McLean On that day in 1957, I was having class in one of the portable buildings behind Lee Junior High School. Having always been
interested in airplanes, I was watching the B-47 as did every plane that I could see from there. I saw a couple of puffs of smo...See More
Marie Block I swear I remember being in a classroom at Lake Silver and seeing a fireball out the window. I was nine years old, so yes, Patty McCord,
our memories coincide and validate each other!
Nick Whitehurst This is why the airport code for Otlando is MCO, not ORL or something similar.
Robert Castlen I was in shop class at Robert E. Lee Junior High when said aircraft went down. Remember seeing the sky in the direction of the
crash full of litter falling to the ground. There is a nice memorial and rememberence of Col. McCoy inside the east checkpoint at the OIA.
Kevin Smith The wing failed due to negative G's while attempting inverted flight. The British equivalent bomber, the Vulcan, had the capability and
the B-47 was being put through comparable maneuvers.
KalmanandVoner Bailey Col. McCoy was an occasional customer at my dad's service station in Pinecastle.
Linda Nitz Farris James E. Jim McLean I was out in Lee's portables too-- Mrs. Reigle's English class. Saw the debris falling.
Scott Wright Spent a lot of time there with my dad
Eric Linquist More McCoy history here:
https://www.facebook.com/colonelmccoy/
John Olin https://www.facebook.com/colonelmccoy/posts/466086840262257
Fascinating mention of Colonel McCoy in the Santa Ana Register dated January 11, 1940 as well as the Berkely Daily
Gazette on January 12, 1940 (and probably others). This was when McCoy was 35 years old and was before he enlisted in
the military. He participates in setting up an aviation non-profit business entity dedicated to helping people in need,
“volunteering services of its members in time of distress, emergency, crisis or disaster." I wonder how close McCoy was
to the other folks listed.
I also wonder if this could have been a precursor to perhaps this Aero Squadron reserve unit:
http://ocsd.org/divisions/office_of_the_sheriff/community/reserve/units/aero
The article:
SACRAMENTO, Cal., Jan. 11. — (UP) — Creation of a reserve flying unit of 300 members was proposed today in articles of
incorporation filed with the secretary of state’s office for the California Aero Squadron, with headquarters in Los Angeles
County. Purposes of the organization included provision for volunteering services of its members in time of distress,
emergency, crisis or disaster. Members of the “headquarters staff,” which is to conduct the affairs of the non-profit
corporation, are L. V. Kaufmann, Inglewood; William H. Dixon, Frank C. Jakel, Michael N. W. McCoy, John R. Shanon. Harry
Harris, and Thomas E. Gemberling, all of Los Angeles; William V. Smilie and Royal C. Payne, both of Hollywood.
Then I located these company records on the internet.
Corporate Records
California Secretary of State
Filing Type: Articles of Incorporation
Status: Inactive
State: California
State ID: 00182282
Date Filed: Monday, January 15, 1940
Registered Agent
Company Profile
Company Name CALIFORNIA AERO SQUADRON
Company No C0182282
Business Type Domestic Nonprofit
Status FTB Suspended
Incorporation Date 1/15/1940
Jurisdiction CA
Agent Information CA
(I believe FTB stands for Franchise Tax Board, a California abbreviation for the board that collected income and sales
taxes. – Info Hound Eric)
Gazette on January 12, 1940 (and probably others). This was when McCoy was 35 years old and was before he enlisted in
the military. He participates in setting up an aviation non-profit business entity dedicated to helping people in need,
“volunteering services of its members in time of distress, emergency, crisis or disaster." I wonder how close McCoy was
to the other folks listed.
I also wonder if this could have been a precursor to perhaps this Aero Squadron reserve unit:
http://ocsd.org/divisions/office_of_the_sheriff/community/reserve/units/aero
The article:
SACRAMENTO, Cal., Jan. 11. — (UP) — Creation of a reserve flying unit of 300 members was proposed today in articles of
incorporation filed with the secretary of state’s office for the California Aero Squadron, with headquarters in Los Angeles
County. Purposes of the organization included provision for volunteering services of its members in time of distress,
emergency, crisis or disaster. Members of the “headquarters staff,” which is to conduct the affairs of the non-profit
corporation, are L. V. Kaufmann, Inglewood; William H. Dixon, Frank C. Jakel, Michael N. W. McCoy, John R. Shanon. Harry
Harris, and Thomas E. Gemberling, all of Los Angeles; William V. Smilie and Royal C. Payne, both of Hollywood.
Then I located these company records on the internet.
Corporate Records
California Secretary of State
Filing Type: Articles of Incorporation
Status: Inactive
State: California
State ID: 00182282
Date Filed: Monday, January 15, 1940
Registered Agent
Company Profile
Company Name CALIFORNIA AERO SQUADRON
Company No C0182282
Business Type Domestic Nonprofit
Status FTB Suspended
Incorporation Date 1/15/1940
Jurisdiction CA
Agent Information CA
(I believe FTB stands for Franchise Tax Board, a California abbreviation for the board that collected income and sales
taxes. – Info Hound Eric)
| https://www.facebook.com/eric.linquist/videos/10153347350903261/ And now, a word from Colonel Mike McCoy! (Sort of...) |
As you might imagine, some of McCoy's piloting exploits included some pretty hairy moments. Here's an article from
March 24, 1947, carried in many papers of the day, about a February 26th B-17 flight from Japan to Okinawa. Each paper
seemed to cobble bits and pieces from the original story, but I have gone through them all and assembled the entire
article. My guess is several of the crew probably needed to change their pants after landing safely. Enjoy!
B17, Riddled by Lightning, Lands Safely After 3-Hour Flight.
March 24, 1947
TOKYO, JAPAN - (AP) Far East Air Force headquarters told today of the terror-ridden flight of a B-17 Flying Fortress
lashed by lightning that riddled It with holes and rocked It with explosions but failed to knock It down. The Fortress, en
route to Okinawa from Japan, ran into sleet, snow, rain and lightning while flying at 8,000 feet on the morning of Feb. 26,
1947 the announcement said. Lt. Col. Michael N. W. McCoy of Los Angeles, was commanding the ship and five others,
including Cpt. Henry E. Lucas, second pilot, of White Plains, N. Y, were aboard. The plane landed at Okinawa after three
hours of flying by dead reckoning and the shaken crew found these damages:
Seventeen holes through the right wing and aileron, numerous holes from nose to tail with assorted wrinkles, melted
wiring and other "bruises", camera doors blown open, part of the underside of the left wing blown out, shield of the loop
antenna destroyed, trailing antenna knocked off, No. 1 turbo-amplifier burned out.
McCoy said the first flash of lightning apparently struck the plane's right wing tip. A few minutes later the crew heard an
explosion like a 75 millimeter cannon's report. Other explosions followed. "That was only the beginning," said McCoy.
"The radio floor was blown up against the ceiling of the airplane, all radio sets being burned out. Air was rushing up
through the bottom of the fuselage, because the camera doors had been blown off. We decided to descend as rapidly as
possible in order to ditch the air craft in case of fire and get out of the weather conditions that were causing the trouble."
The plane emerged from the storm at 1,500 feet. Since it was still flying, McCoy decided to continue to Okinawa, three
hours away. When the explosions occurred, Lieut Col. Gilbert L. Curtis, Bridgeport, Conn., was at the controls with
McCoy. Members of the crew were Capt. W. M. Phillips, of Garber, Okla., the navigator; Capt. Henry E. Lucas, second pilot,
White Plains, N. Y.; T-Sgt. Jess F. Marple, engineer, Pueblo, Colo;, and Cpl. Edward Taylor, radio operator, Pekin, III., All
are members of the transportation division of headquarters of the Far East Materiel Command in Tokyo.
March 24, 1947, carried in many papers of the day, about a February 26th B-17 flight from Japan to Okinawa. Each paper
seemed to cobble bits and pieces from the original story, but I have gone through them all and assembled the entire
article. My guess is several of the crew probably needed to change their pants after landing safely. Enjoy!
B17, Riddled by Lightning, Lands Safely After 3-Hour Flight.
March 24, 1947
TOKYO, JAPAN - (AP) Far East Air Force headquarters told today of the terror-ridden flight of a B-17 Flying Fortress
lashed by lightning that riddled It with holes and rocked It with explosions but failed to knock It down. The Fortress, en
route to Okinawa from Japan, ran into sleet, snow, rain and lightning while flying at 8,000 feet on the morning of Feb. 26,
1947 the announcement said. Lt. Col. Michael N. W. McCoy of Los Angeles, was commanding the ship and five others,
including Cpt. Henry E. Lucas, second pilot, of White Plains, N. Y, were aboard. The plane landed at Okinawa after three
hours of flying by dead reckoning and the shaken crew found these damages:
Seventeen holes through the right wing and aileron, numerous holes from nose to tail with assorted wrinkles, melted
wiring and other "bruises", camera doors blown open, part of the underside of the left wing blown out, shield of the loop
antenna destroyed, trailing antenna knocked off, No. 1 turbo-amplifier burned out.
McCoy said the first flash of lightning apparently struck the plane's right wing tip. A few minutes later the crew heard an
explosion like a 75 millimeter cannon's report. Other explosions followed. "That was only the beginning," said McCoy.
"The radio floor was blown up against the ceiling of the airplane, all radio sets being burned out. Air was rushing up
through the bottom of the fuselage, because the camera doors had been blown off. We decided to descend as rapidly as
possible in order to ditch the air craft in case of fire and get out of the weather conditions that were causing the trouble."
The plane emerged from the storm at 1,500 feet. Since it was still flying, McCoy decided to continue to Okinawa, three
hours away. When the explosions occurred, Lieut Col. Gilbert L. Curtis, Bridgeport, Conn., was at the controls with
McCoy. Members of the crew were Capt. W. M. Phillips, of Garber, Okla., the navigator; Capt. Henry E. Lucas, second pilot,
White Plains, N. Y.; T-Sgt. Jess F. Marple, engineer, Pueblo, Colo;, and Cpl. Edward Taylor, radio operator, Pekin, III., All
are members of the transportation division of headquarters of the Far East Materiel Command in Tokyo.
Hi, McCoy-philes! Found this brief little McCoy snippet that ran in a bunch of newspapers on and around October 3, 1955 entitled:
"Young Grandpa"
Orlando, FL - Two outfits in the Strategic Air Command here (Orlando) boast grandfathers—one as young as 34. He is M. Sgt. William II. Dye of the 30th
Bomber Squadron who became a grandfather last year. The other is 49-year-old Col. Michael N. W. McCoy, commanding officer of the 321st
Bombardment Wing.
That would turn out to be quite an understatement!
Michael N. W. McCoy was married 3 times in his life resulting in 4 daughters, a stepdaughter and 9 grandchildren. At 49 years young, McCoy had been
a grandfather at least 4 times over already at the time that article was written!
1st wife – Helen Richmond – they were married for 6 years from 1924 to 1930.
Helen gives birth to two McCoy daughters – Barbara Jean (b. 1926) and Patricia Mae (b. 1929).
• Barbara Jean had two sons, Mike (b. 1946) and Jeffrey (b. 1947), but also adopted her sister's daughter, Julie, born on 2/14/?).
• Patricia Mae had a daughter, Kathleen (b. 1948), a daughter, Julie born on Valentine's Day (Year?) and a son, Mitchell (b. ?).
That's 5 grandchildren.
2nd wife – Alice Kimball – they were married for 23 years from 1931 to 1954.
Alice gives birth to two more McCoy daughters – Pamela Ann (b. 1934, d. 2012) and Penny Lee (b. 1948, d.2011).
• Pamela Ann had three sons, Mike (b. 1955), Eric (b. 1958) and Marc (b. 1970).
• Penny Lee had a daughter (b. ?).
That's 4 more grandchildren.
3rd wife – Rose Frances Bernard – they were married for 3 years from 1954 until McCoy’s death in 1957.
• They had no children together, though Rose had a daughter, Gloria (b. 1926), from a prior husband.
• Gloria had a son, Timothy (b. 1962, d. 20XX), and a daughter, Jennifer.
That's 2 more step-grandchildren.
In 1955, that actually put the grandchildren count at around 5! To the best of my knowledge, all but one of the grandchildren are still living today.
"Young Grandpa"
Orlando, FL - Two outfits in the Strategic Air Command here (Orlando) boast grandfathers—one as young as 34. He is M. Sgt. William II. Dye of the 30th
Bomber Squadron who became a grandfather last year. The other is 49-year-old Col. Michael N. W. McCoy, commanding officer of the 321st
Bombardment Wing.
That would turn out to be quite an understatement!
Michael N. W. McCoy was married 3 times in his life resulting in 4 daughters, a stepdaughter and 9 grandchildren. At 49 years young, McCoy had been
a grandfather at least 4 times over already at the time that article was written!
1st wife – Helen Richmond – they were married for 6 years from 1924 to 1930.
Helen gives birth to two McCoy daughters – Barbara Jean (b. 1926) and Patricia Mae (b. 1929).
• Barbara Jean had two sons, Mike (b. 1946) and Jeffrey (b. 1947), but also adopted her sister's daughter, Julie, born on 2/14/?).
• Patricia Mae had a daughter, Kathleen (b. 1948), a daughter, Julie born on Valentine's Day (Year?) and a son, Mitchell (b. ?).
That's 5 grandchildren.
2nd wife – Alice Kimball – they were married for 23 years from 1931 to 1954.
Alice gives birth to two more McCoy daughters – Pamela Ann (b. 1934, d. 2012) and Penny Lee (b. 1948, d.2011).
• Pamela Ann had three sons, Mike (b. 1955), Eric (b. 1958) and Marc (b. 1970).
• Penny Lee had a daughter (b. ?).
That's 4 more grandchildren.
3rd wife – Rose Frances Bernard – they were married for 3 years from 1954 until McCoy’s death in 1957.
• They had no children together, though Rose had a daughter, Gloria (b. 1926), from a prior husband.
• Gloria had a son, Timothy (b. 1962, d. 20XX), and a daughter, Jennifer.
That's 2 more step-grandchildren.
In 1955, that actually put the grandchildren count at around 5! To the best of my knowledge, all but one of the grandchildren are still living today.
Melissa Raven Ramsey Julie was actually the middle child of Patricia, his younger daughter from his first marriage. She was raised by Barbara Jean.
Julie is still alive today.
Colonel Michael Norman Wright Mccoy Thanks so much, Melissa. I edited the post to read as you and Deanna have described it. Julie was Patricia's
middle child, later adopted by Jean. How interesting!!
Doris Wallace DORIS McCoy -Wallace Norman was my uncle. My dad was Dick McCoy
Colonel Michael Norman Wright Mccoy Hi, Doris! How cool that you are a daughter of Dick McCoy!! Thank you for posting. I'm going to send you a
message on FB Messenger separately!
Melissa Raven Ramsey His daughter Patricia (my grandmother) from his first marriage, passed away in 2011.
Deanna Phillips Stark Barbara Jean also had an adopted daughter Julie born on Valentine's Day but I don't know what year. She is younger than Jeff
and Michael.