Walter W. Coolbaugh
Encyclopedia
Walter Wesley Coolbaugh was born in Ransom, Pennsylvania, on 1 August 1914. He enlisted in the United States Naval Reserve for aviation
training on 14 November 1940. Serving in a scouting squadron in the Pacific, he won the Navy Cross
for his gallant conduct in the Battle of the Coral Sea
in May 1942. Coolbaugh was promoted to lieutenant (junior grade) on 1 October 1942, and lost his life in an aircraft accident 19 December 1942.
Aviation
Aviation is the design, development, production, operation, and use of aircraft, especially heavier-than-air aircraft. Aviation is derived from avis, the Latin word for bird.-History:...
training on 14 November 1940. Serving in a scouting squadron in the Pacific, he won the Navy Cross
Navy Cross
The Navy Cross is the highest decoration that may be bestowed by the Department of the Navy and the second highest decoration given for valor. It is normally only awarded to members of the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps and United States Coast Guard, but can be awarded to all...
for his gallant conduct in the Battle of the Coral Sea
Battle of the Coral Sea
The Battle of the Coral Sea, fought from 4–8 May 1942, was a major naval battle in the Pacific Theater of World War II between the Imperial Japanese Navy and Allied naval and air forces from the United States and Australia. The battle was the first fleet action in which aircraft carriers engaged...
in May 1942. Coolbaugh was promoted to lieutenant (junior grade) on 1 October 1942, and lost his life in an aircraft accident 19 December 1942.