Loyce Edward Deen
Petty Officer Second Class, U.S. Navy

On 5 November 1944, Petty Officer Second Class Loyce Edward Deen was serving as an Aviation Machinist’s Mate in Torpedo Squadron VT-15, USS Essex (CV-9).

On that day, PO2 Deen’s Squadron was in action against Japanese forces while participating in a raid on Manila, Philippines. PO2 Deen was serving as a Torpedo Plane gunner on a TBM Avenger when his plane was hit multiple times by anti-aircraft fire while attacking a Japanese cruiser in Manila Bay. PO2 Deen was killed in action. The Avenger’s pilot, LT Robert Cosgrove, managed to return to the Essex. However, both PO2 Deen and the plane had been shot up so badly that it was decided to leave his mangled remains in it.

It is the only time in U.S. Navy history (and probably U.S. military history) that an aircraft crew member was buried at sea in his aircraft after being killed in action.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Distinguished Flying Cross
Purple Heart
Air Medal
Navy & Marine Corps Combat Action Ribbon
Navy Good Conduct Medal
American Campaign Medal
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with Bronze Star
World War II Victory Medal
Navy Aircrew Badge

Distinguished Flying Cross Citation (Synopsis)

Aviation Machinist’s Mate Second Class Loyce E. Deen (NSN: 6712310), United States Navy, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight during World War II.

General Orders: American Battle Monuments Commission

Burial at Sea

Petty Officer Second Class Loyce Edward Deen was buried in the Pacific Ocean within the TBM Avenger in which he died. He is memorialized by having his name inscribed on the Walls of the Missing at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in Manila, Metro Manila, National Capital Region, Philippines