Colonel Merle Coons (1921-1997) was a United States Air Force fighter pilot, earning ace status during World War II. Merle Milton Coons was born to Milo and Helen Coons on March 25, 1921 in Arlington, Oregon. He graduated from high school in Gresham, Oregon in 1939. Coons received an aviation cadet appointment for training with the United States Army Air Corps in March 1942. He joined the 38th Fighter Squadron, 55th Fighter Group based at Wormingford, England in 1944. He flew 67 combat missions in the Lockheed P-38 Lightning and North American P-51 Mustang. Coons earned ace status by destroying five German fighters, plus one other probable victory in aerial combat. All of his aerial victories occurred while flying the P-51. Coons was a graduate of both the U.S. Air Force Command & Staff College and the U.S. Air Force War College. He served with the United States Air Force for 26 years, retiring in April 1968 as a Colonel. His assignments were predominantly oriented to fighter aviation. Coons served at various locations, including Williams Air Force Base, Arizona and Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska.

After his retirement from the military, Coons joined Northrop Corporation's Marketing department. He remained there for 18 years, until his second retirement in 1986. He was active in many associations, including the American Fighter Ace Association, and spent time with friends and family. Coons died December 18, 1997 in Salt Lake City, Utah, survived by his second wife, Lois Clark Coons; three daughters, Jan, Sue, and Joyce; and eight grandchildren.

Source:

Biography derived from donor information and collection materials.

The American Fighter Aces Association (AFAA) was founded in 1960 to recognize the 1,450 combat pilots that received a special distinction of becoming an ace by destroying five (5) or more hostile aircraft in air-to-air combat. This includes aces in both World Wars, Korea and Vietnam.

The AFAA lists its objectives and purposes as "to preserve and promote the distinguished heritage of the American combat fighter Ace; to preserve the spirit of loyalty, fellowship and responsibility that motivates Fighter Aces; to support the understanding of and demand for sound, progressive aerospace weapons systems which will guarantee the security and peace of the United States; to encourage and stimulate young men and women to enter the aerospace field; and to sponsor educational programs designed to increase and broaden public knowledge of aerospace technology."

The AFAA sponsors an academic scholarship fund for youths who are primarily descendants of American Fighter Aces and fosters youth programs encouraging patriotism. Additional programs include award programs, such as the annual presentation of the Outstanding Cadet in Airmanship Award at the United States Air Force Academy and for outstanding fighter pilot "lead-in" trainee graduates from the Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps. The AFAA is affliated with The Museum of Flight (TMOF), the proud home of the AFAA.

Source and Further Reading:

http://www.americanfighteraces.org/index.html