Moolenaar Presents Military Honors to Family of Captain William Coombs
Today, Congressman John Moolenaar presented military honors to the family of the late William Coombs. The ceremony took place at VFW Post 3055 in Saint Louis. Moolenaar presented the four medals earned by Coombs to Coombs's nephew, Jeff Barker. Those honors are: the Air Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal and Bronze Star Attachment, the World War II Victory Medal, and the Honorable Service Lapel Button from World War II.
"Captain William Coombs was an exceptionable serviceman, who fought bravely in World War II and made the ultimate sacrifice while on a mission to rescue his fellow service members during the Korean War. Over 70 years after his tragic death, his remains were miraculously recovered, and returned home to Michigan. It is vital we continue to honor the service of the brave men and women of our military. I hope the Barker family will use these honors as a way to keep the memory of Captain William Coombs and his sacrifice for our nation alive," said Moolenaar.
Moolenaar with Jeff Barker (middle) of Saint Louis, the nephew of the late Captain William Coombs (right) at the medal presentation.
Captain Coombs served as a fighter pilot in World War II and was assigned to an air rescue mission during the Korean War. In November 1952, Coombs was a passenger on a rescue mission returning to base in Alaska when the plane he was on encountered harsh weather and crashed, leaving no survivors. Seventy years later, Coombs’s remains were identified and recovered in 2022 as part of the military’s recovery mission, “Operation Colony Glacier.” His remains were returned to Michigan, and a burial service was held in October 2023 in Southfield.