Memorial

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2nd Lt Herbert P. Hagins Jr. attended college before he joined the Air Corps of the U.S. Army Reserve in Clemson, South Carolina, on 5 December 1942.

S/Sgt Edward J. Balog:
"On 8 February 1945, I was flying on ship #673, piloted by Lt Clark. Our ship was flying left wing to second element lead. Over target area, while making a 360-degree turn, two ships in the second group in front of ours, were seen to collide with each other. One ship went into a flat spin and I saw a large gouge in its wing. The other ship had its tail completely torn off, and I saw it go down in a steep glide. I saw one chute and then another body appeared just before one of the ships disappeared into the clouds. Whether this chute opened or not, I do not know."

1st Lt Frank W. Smith Jr.:
"I know that he had no chute on. Was probably spilled from the ship just as I was and had no chance from there on."

He is remembered at the Ridgeland Cemetery in Ridgeland, Jasper County, South Carolina.