Dates

• Existence: 1918 - 2011

Biography

Captain Robert Charles Coats, USN (Ret.) served as a fighter pilot in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

Robert "Bob" Charles Coats was born on January 2, 1918 near Delhi, Louisiana. Coats graduated from the Louisiana Polytechnic Institute in 1939 and entered the Navy in July of 1940. He earned his commission in early 1941.

Coats served as a flight instructor for the next two years. He was deployed on the USS Bunker Hill in November 1943 and then served on theUSS Hornet starting in late 1944. During these assignments, Coats participated in several battles in the Pacific Theater. Coats flew in both Grumman F6F-3 and F6F-5 Hellcats during this period. He eventually tallied 9 1/3 victories, earning him Ace status. He also earned several decorations during the war, including the Navy Cross, a Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with four Gold Stars and two Presidential Unit Citations.

After the war, Coats stayed in the Navy and primarily served as a test pilot for research and development. He held three squadron commands and had one shipboard assignment during this time. He also earned an Master of Business Administration from George Washington University in 1962. He retired from the Navy on February 1, 1971 as a Captain.

Coats died in Federal Way, Washington on July 7, 2011. He is interred at the Delhi Masonic Cemetery in his hometown of Delhi, Louisiana.

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