Memorial

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Capt Claude J. Hackney graduated from Davidson College in 1942, where he attended the ROTC course. His popularity and versatility made him a campus leader. He also played football and was president of the senior class.

Statement of 2nd Lt John W Meade, who flew the same mission: "Shortly after crossing in, White leader aborted. Lt Cooley then became White leader, with me in number two position and Capt Hackney flying White three. We lost sight of Red flight while going down to make a bounce. We, White flight, were flying line abreast at six o'clock to the enemy aircraft. Capt Hackney pulled out in front and got strikes on one of the enemy aircraft. The enemy aircraft broke left, and Capt Hackney followed him. I never saw Capt Hackney or had radio contact with him after this. The enemy aircraft exploded. Lt Cooley and I were still line abreast and firing on two of the other enemy aircraft. The one I was firing on pulled up to the left, and I did likewise to prevent him getting on our tails. There was smoke and flames coming from his plane. He lost control and due to the low altitude, about 500 feet, went into the ground and blew up. As I made a turn to join Lt Cooley, I saw a P-51 shoot down an enemy aircraft. Lt Cooley then asked for someone in White flight to join him because he thought he had been hit. I asked him if he shot down the enemy aircraft, and he answered, 'Roger.' I then made a turn to join him but lost him as I turned. There was intense light flak in the area. He, Lt Cooley, then called and said he was going to pull up and bail out. I then turned and dropped down to avoid flak, but I never saw or had radio contact with him again."