Master Sergeant Jack Coop (Photo credit: Jack Coop) [/caption] Jack Coop, native of Hoopeston, Illinois, joined the U.S. Army Air Forces at the age of 17 in 1942. Between January 1945 and April 1945, he flew 31 missions over Germany as a B-17 Ball Turret Gunner with the 418th Bomber Squadron. As a young Sergeant, he was awarded the first Oak Cluster to the Air Medal in recognition of "exceptionally meritorious achievement" during the bombings at Chennita, Frankfurt, Bremen, Berlin, Dresden, Brunswick, Hannover, Hamburg and other targets. He retired a Master Sergeant with 26 years of service in 1968.
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Robert E. Evans crew, Joined the 100th 8 Jan 1945. L-R kneeling: Robert Evans (P), Robert Bratton (CP), Billie McMillin (NAV), Stephen Zakrzewski (BOM), L-R Standing: Reginald Vinton Bullis (TTE), Robert Merrill (ROG), Robert Parsons (WG) Juel Rudd (TG) Willard "Jack" Coop (BTG), Peter Cattilino (WG). He was taken off crew before going overseas, Id courtesy of Jack Coop. (Photo credit: 100th Bomber Group Foundation) [/caption] [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="500.0"]
Jack Coop, Ball Turret Gunner in England, 1944, in front of B-17G "Heaven's Angel" (Photo credit: Jack Coop & the 100th Bomber Group Foundation) [/caption] We've had the pleasure of getting to know Jack after learning of his service and his friendship with his dear friend, WASP Jean Hixson. We've enjoyed his stories of his experiences in life from his youth to the war and his life since.
Jack's zest for life is amazing. Living in Kentucky at 93, he's still spry, energetic, independent and lives life on his terms. He has lots of friends of all ages and stays active in his community. Jack inspires us with his determination not to let anything get in the way of enjoying life. He's also taught us the importance of knowing our history and talking to our Greatest Generation family and friends, listening to their stories, asking questions, and learning from them.
And oh, there is so much to be learned.
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HEAVEN'S ANGEL 44-6817 LD-S (Photo from Lt. Leroy Forrester courtesy of Cheryl Forrester-Cooney)Forrester Crew Information (Photo credit: 100th Bomber Group Foundation) [/caption] Jack knows firsthand the courage and sacrifices of the WASP and he is adamant that this story be told. He is always there to comment on our stories and pictures and give us little history lessons along the way. Meeting people like Jack has been one of the many great parts of the journey in creating this miniseries.
Thank you, Jack, for your support and friendship. We are proud to call you our friend and so grateful for your service to our country. We truly appreciate the lessons you teach us.
And please...keep telling those great stories!
I Just wish Jean Hixson, was still here with us to tell of her 1st ride in an old(new at the time) Ford Tri- Motor plane that landed in Cow Pasture by our home town around 1936-8 that inspired her to learn to FLY. Jean didn,t stop there. She went on learning to fly all types of Aircraft & was the 2nd woman to break the sound barrier, her longtime friend Jacqueline Cochran was the 1st. Jean continued on in the WASP fying all types of Aircraft from Jets, Blimps, Baloons, Ultralights & some hang Glider & last but not least was selected one of the final 13 to be an Astronaut. I am very happy to have known her, she was about about one & half to two yr older then me. We were next door neighbors & played to gather until she entered High School, but remained friend,s . SHE WAS ONE FABULOUS PERSON.
ReplyDeleteMaster Sergeant Coop,Thank you for sharing your memories of Jean Hixson with the "Fly Girls" crew. I have wondered about this part of her life for almost five decades -- I was fortunate enough to be one of 20 students who had "Ms. Hixson" not only for fifth grade, but sixth grade as well at Erie Island Elementary School in Akron, Ohio (1969 - 1971). She inspired in each of us an unwavering belief that we could achieve anything with work and dedication. At age 10, she loomed larger than life. At age 57 with greater awareness of her life, she has become for me positively legendary. As a historian and teacher, it has become my privilege to ensure that another generation will be inspired by this unforgettable, remarkable woman.Best wishes,Christine Menne LaHueColumbus, Ohio
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