William Hadaway Coahran, Jr.
Staff Sergeant William H. Coahran, Jr., was a Marine pilot with VMF-112.
He was reported missing in action over Guadalcanal on 11 November 1942.
Branch
Marine Corps Regular
Service Number 250573
Current Status
Remains Not Recovered
Pursuit Category
The DPAA has not publicized this information.
Capsule History
Pre-War Life
Birth
June 6, 1941
at Pridesville, OR
Parents
William Hadaway Coahran, Sr.
Lelia Belle (Davis) Coahran (d. 1933)
Education
Redmond High School
Occupation & Employer
Forest Ranger
Ochoco National Forest
Service Life
Entered Service
December 2, 1935
at Portland, OR
Home Of Record
Bend, OR
Next Of Kin
Wife, Mrs. Inez Sinellia Coahran
Military Specialty
Pilot
Primary Unit
VMF-112
Campaigns Served
Solomon Islands / Guadalcanal
Individual Decorations
Purple Heart
Good Conduct Medal (December 1939)
Additional Service Details
After his first four-year enlistment, Coahran entered the USMC inactive reserve on 2 December 1935. He was recalled to active duty in October 1940, and started his second Regular hitch on 21 October 1941.
Loss And Burial
Circumstances Of Loss
Staff Sergeant William H. Coahran, Jr., was an enlisted pilot serving with Marine Fighting Squadron (VMF) 112. He arrived at Guadalcanal’s Henderson Field on 10 November 1942 and flew his first half-hour combat patrol the following morning.
Coahran’s flight landed, refueled, and took off for a second patrol at 0900 hours. They were attempting to intercept an inbound flight of Japanese dive bombers when they were jumped by eight Zero fighters. Coahran’s F4F-4 Wildcat (Bureau Number 03407), was shot down in the early moments of the fight. He parachuted from his ruined aircraft, but drifted behind enemy lines before touching down in the jungle. He was never seen or heard from again.
Burial Information or Disposition
None; remains not recovered. Coahran was declared dead on 19 February 1945.
William Coahran was promoted to Technical Sergeant while in missing status.
Memorials
Next Of Kin Address
Address of wife, Mrs. Inez Coahran.
Location Of Loss
SSgt. Coahran was last seen parachuting over Guadalcanal; exact location unknown.
