Glen Lewis Coats

Pilot Officer Glen Lewis Coats — The First American Airman Buried at St. Hilary

Glen Lewis Coats
St. Hillary Church, Killay
credit - findagrave

Pilot Officer Glen Lewis Coats, of the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, 79 Squadron, died on 17^th September 1941, aged just 22. He became the first American airman to be buried at St. Hilary, Killay.

Early Life

Glen was born on 28^th November 1919 in California, the son of Milam Groser Coats and Glenora Lewis Coats, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA. He had an older sister, Mila, and his early life is recorded in the United States censuses.

1920  United States Federal Census

In the 1920 United States Federal Census, the family was living in Fresno, California. Milam (34) worked as a printer, Glenora (29) managed the home, and little Mila (4) and Glen, still an infant, were with them. Also in the household were Arthur Ames (42), described as “invalid,” and his wife Etta (42).

1930 United States Federal Census

By the 1930 United States Federal Census, the family had moved to 7 Grove Street, San Francisco. Milam (44) remained a printer, Glenora (39) kept house, and Mila was now 14. Glen was mistakenly recorded as six years old, though in reality he was ten.

Military Service

Draft Card

Before the United States entered the war, Glen volunteered to serve overseas. His draft card recorded him as unemployed, living at 106 Dorchester Street, San Francisco, the home of H. S. Neal. He enlisted with the Royal Canadian Air Force, one of many young Americans who joined Allied forces before their own nation declared war.

Glen’s service brought him to Britain, where he became a Pilot Officer with the RAF Volunteer Reserve, 79 Squadron.

No. 79 Squadron RAF had a proud history. Formed in 1917 during the First World War, it was re-formed in 1937 and flew the Hawker Hurricane from the outbreak of the Second World War. During the summer of 1940, the squadron fought in the Battle of Britain, defending South-East England against the Luftwaffe. Its pilots gained a reputation for courage, flying repeated sorties in the desperate struggle for air superiority.

Death and Burial

Report of the Death of an American Citizen

The official Report of the Death of an American Citizen records the circumstances of Glen’s passing. He fell from a motor car, contracted pneumonia, and lapsed into a coma. He died at the RAF General Hospital, St. Athan, on 17^th September 1941.

On 20^th September 1941, he was laid to rest with honour in the churchyard of St. Hilary, Killay. His grave became the first of several belonging to young Americans who would later be buried there during the war.

Legacy

Pilot Officer Glen Lewis Coats is remembered at St. Hilary as the first American airman laid to rest there. His story reflects the sacrifice of those who left their homes across the Atlantic to stand with Britain in its darkest hour.

Though far from Colorado Springs, Glen lies among comrades in South Wales, his grave a reminder of the shared struggle and cost of freedom. His memory endures as a symbol of the enduring bond between Britain and the United States during the Second World War.