Robert L. Coffey

Robert Lewis Coffey Jr. (October 21, 1918 – April 20, 1949) was an American coal miner, World War II veteran, and politician who served briefly as a Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Pennsylvania.

A former military fighter pilot, Coffey was killed after only four months in Congress when a military aircraft he was co-piloting crashed in an experimental flight.

Early life and career

Robert Coffey was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and moved with his parents in early boyhood to Pennsylvania. He attended the University of Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania State University.

He was employed in coal mines in all positions from coal loader to engineer.

World War II and military career

During World War II, he served in the United States Army Air Forces. He flew as a member of the 365th Fighter Group, called the "Hell Hawks," piloting the P-47 Thunderbolt. He commanded the group's 388th Fighter Squadron and was later deputy commander of the group. He was the group's top air ace with credit for six aerial victories during 97 missions. He was shot down and evaded capture.

He was the military air attaché for the United States Embassy in Santiago, Chile, from October 1945 to April 1948. He resigned his commission as a lieutenant colonel to pursue a political candidacy. He was commissioned a colonel in the United States Air Force Reserve.

Congress

He was elected as a Democrat to the 81st Congress in 1948, defeating incumbent Republican Congressman Harve Tibbott, and served from January 3, 1949, until his death in an airplane accident at Kirtland Air Force Base near Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Personal life

Coffey was married to Eileen Mercado Parra, with whom he had three children: Robert Lewis, Eileen María and David Mario.

Death

On April 20, 1949, Coffey was killed in the crash of Lockheed F-80A-10-LO Shooting Star, 44-85438, c/n 080-1461, while on take-off from Kirtland AFB, New Mexico, at 1640 hrs. during a cross-country proficiency flight. He and fellow Hell Hawks pilot Lt. Col. William D. Ritchie had departed Kirtland after refuelling for March AFB, California, but due to apparent engine failure on take-off, the fighter never rose above 25 feet, skidded off end of runway, cartwheeled across an arroyo, and broke apart but did not burn. Coffey was killed instantly. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery. The House of Representatives recessed for one day in his honor.

Awards and decorations

For his military service, he was awarded the following awards:

File:USAAF Wings.png

United States Army Air Forces pilot badge

Bronze oak leaf cluster Bronze oak leaf cluster Template:Ribbon devices/alt	Distinguished Flying Cross with two bronze oak leaf clusters
Template:Ribbon devices/alt	Bronze Star Medal
Template:Ribbon devices/alt	Purple Heart
Silver oak leaf cluster Silver oak leaf cluster Silver oak leaf cluster Silver oak leaf cluster Template:Ribbon devices/alt	Air Medal with four silver oak leaf clusters
Silver oak leaf cluster Template:Ribbon devices/alt	Air Medal with silver oak leaf cluster (second ribbon required for accouterment spacing)
Template:Ribbon devices/alt	Air Force Presidential Unit Citation
Template:Ribbon devices/alt	American Defense Service Medal
Template:Ribbon devices/alt	American Campaign Medal
Silver star Template:Ribbon devices/alt	European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with silver campaign star
Template:Ribbon devices/alt	World War II Victory Medal
Template:Ribbon devices/alt	Air Force Longevity Service Award
Template:Ribbon devices/alt	Croix de Guerre with Palm (France)
Template:Ribbon devices/alt	Croix de Guerre with Palm (Belgium)
Template:Ribbon devices/alt	Order of Merit, degree unknown (Chile)

See also

• List of United States Congress members who died in office (1900–49)

References

Template:USCongRep/PA/81