Loyce Deen’s Burial at sea
Someone sent us the story of Naval Aviation Machinist Mate (Gunner) 2nd Class Loyce Edward Deen;
Loyce Edward Deen, an Aviation Machinist Mate 2nd Class, USNR, was a gunner on a TBM Avenger. On November 5, 1944, Deen’s squadron participated in a raid on Manila where his plane was hit multiple times by anti-aircraft fire while attacking a Japanese cruiser. Deen was killed. The Avenger’s pilot, Lt Robert Cosgrove, managed to return to his carrier, the USS Essex. Both Deen and the plane had been shot up so badly that it was decided to leave him in it. It is the only time in U.S. Navy history (and probably U.S. military history) that an aviator was buried in his aircraft after being killed in action.
Luckily, the solemn and unique ceremony was recorded for posterity;
Category: We Remember
That was one of the more beautiful and moving things I have ever seen.
That beautiful music is taken from Antonin Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9, Op. 95 (Largo) and the lyrics, penned by William Arms Fisher, a pupil of Dvorak’s, are equally beautiful. Here they are. God bless each of you who shed a tear.
Goin’ home, goin’ home, I’m a goin’ home;
Quiet-like, some still day, I’m jes’ goin’ home.
It’s not far, jes’ close by,
Through an open door;
Work all done, care laid by,
Goin’ to fear no more.
Mother’s there ‘spectin’ me,
Father’s waitin’ too;
Lots o’ folks gather’d there,
All the friends I knew,
All the friends I knew.
Home, I’m goin’ home!
Even more poignant; thanks 2/17 AC
Gave me chills, brother.
No words, just got a bit dusty here.
It gets dusty every time I watch that video. I discovered it a while back.
I have viewed it about six times today. I will do so again in a minute. Then, I will sign off, thinking of 24-year old Navy A/C Gunner Loyce Edward Deen, his sacrifice, his shipmates, and their farewell to him.
I rarely get ‘choked up’ about anything, but that really got to me.
Semper Fidelis.
A very fitting tribute to a shipmate lost in battle… RIP Loyce Deen.
The website linked above about Loyce Deen’s life is fascinating. He had been previously wounded in the foot and might have chosen to stay on a hospital ship, but instead chose to return to his squadron and fly the fateful mission. Lt. Cosgrove eventually made Captain and was awarded the Navy Cross at some point-these men were real American heroes whose stories should be told in our schools.
Hardcore.
Rest well Mr. Deen.
Rising winds ahead, AM2 Deen.
May God bless you and your family, rest in Peace good sir, rest in Peace.
Semper Fidelis.
Thanks for posting this, Jonn.
Rest easy, sir.
I am humbled. Rest easy, Petty Officer Deen.
A fitting and respectful farewell.
God Bless those who serve.
And HAVE served!
It ain’t dusty and I don’t have allergies, I just wept like a little girl watching that.
The TBM was good plane (also one of the original firefighting airtankers, fun fact). Maybe I’m just sentimental, but there was something deeply moving about Loyce Deen’s warbird carrying him to his final rest.
It got VERY dusty in here. Damned allergies.
I agree with every single comment above and those that will follow.
Touching and beautiful.
I am humbled by men and women such as this. RIP, Brother, and thank you.
That song always makes me tear up whenever I hear it anyway, but seeing that put it over the top. Very fitting tribute. Rest well, AM2 Deen.
You’re a better man than I am, Loyce Edward Deen. God have hercy on you
This should be mandatory viewing at Great Lakes…
It should be mandatory viewing in every American History class in every high school in this country.
That’s the problem with schools. They don’t teach the history that’s necessary. Young people aren’t taught what we have sacrificed and the price paid for their freedom to act out and demonstrate. It’s sad and amazing that many don’t know what countries fought in the war.
Calm seas and fair winds Mr. Deen. Rest in Peace.
Fly west, Loyce Edward Deen. Fly west . . . I can’t think of a greater place to spend eternity than with my aircraft. Coincidentally, Altus AFB, OK, where all the Air Force’s C-141 aircrews were trained was located in Altus, OK, Deen’s home town.
Im compelled to write…I dont have the words but im proud to have served in the Navy and be able to say I was able to learn from men like the honorable MM-2 Deen taught me. I salute you Sir.
This is what it’s about! Freedom isn’t free. God’s Grace and Godspeed AM2!
This video is one of the most compelling I’ve ever seen. Gives me chills. The music/words just adds to the solemnity of it. Can anyone help me identify what choir is doing the singing? Obviously a male choir, but who are they? Thanks to 2/17th Air Cav up top for listing what piece it is, but want to ID the group if possible. Finally, RIP Warrior Loyce Deen, and Thank You for your Service to our Country. Never forgotten Sir!
At the bottom of the linked page, it says the singing was performed by the BYU Choir.
Thanks Claw, I missed that. While I was gone, I started searching around and found this…BYU Choir. On You Tube, it’s: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_XK9UJlqag
Thank you for all your kind comments on the video. I was honored to be able to assemble it. The “owners” of the story belong to the Deen and Cosgrove families. i was simply the scribe.
You were true to the oath you took and the God you served …
A fitting funeral for a very brave man a warrior on his way to Valhalla,
Gunner Loyce Deen you will never be forgotten and till the end of this Earth you are immortalised..God bless you and God bless America.
I have no words
God Bless
Lest we forget