Dan and I were casual friends at SMW, though his easy going nature and almost always present smile made it really easy to like him. We were in neighboring rooms at the Cardboard Palace Apartments at Pitt State and probably saw a lot more of each other then than in high school. My last recollection of Dan was a warm spring Saturday our sophomore year at P-burg when he and a buddy stopped by my place to see if I wanted to join them in a little "500" over at the softball field. We had the whole place to ourselves for a couple of hours with not a care in the world on a beautiful day.
Two very good friends from Old Mission Jr. High died in helicopter crashes and I was again saddened when learning a couple years ago of Dan's fate. For those who knew Dan and want to learn more about his last mission, there are several online accounts of his record as well as a couple of heart warming tributes by fellow Army buddies who were nearby his last battle in a place where few wanted to be. That information can be easily found by searching on Dan Coombs III. Dan, next time I am in KC I will leave a flag and flowers at your grave.
Larry Hurt
Dan L.F.Coombs III
First Lieutenant
11 ARM CAV RGT USARV
OH-6A Light Observation Helicopter Pilot
April 1, 1947 - December 19, 1970
Enemy Fire
In memory of one of my brothers who made the Ultimate Sacrifice in the service of his country. May we never forget!
Gary Fischer
Dan and I were casual friends at SMW, though his easy going nature and almost always present smile made it really easy to like him. We were in neighboring rooms at the Cardboard Palace Apartments at Pitt State and probably saw a lot more of each other then than in high school. My last recollection of Dan was a warm spring Saturday our sophomore year at P-burg when he and a buddy stopped by my place to see if I wanted to join them in a little "500" over at the softball field. We had the whole place to ourselves for a couple of hours with not a care in the world on a beautiful day.
Two very good friends from Old Mission Jr. High died in helicopter crashes and I was again saddened when learning a couple years ago of Dan's fate. For those who knew Dan and want to learn more about his last mission, there are several online accounts of his record as well as a couple of heart warming tributes by fellow Army buddies who were nearby his last battle in a place where few wanted to be. That information can be easily found by searching on Dan Coombs III. Dan, next time I am in KC I will leave a flag and flowers at your grave.