Memorial

More information

1st Lt Daniel A. Sipe Jr. graduated from Peabody High School and the University of Pittsburgh.

He volunteered for the Air Corps of the Army of the United States in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on 4 April 1942 and studied at the Primary Pilot Training Course at Parks Air College, Illinois.

Statement of 2nd Lt Kevin Gough, who was flying in the same group: "May 13, 1944 I was flying Yeoman Green 2 in Lt Sipe's flight. On reaching the area south of Bremen, Sipe called Capt Chloupek (Yeoman Leader) that his oil pressure was down to 40 LBS. We turned and headed out. Sipe called to see if anyone knew what to do in such an emergency. He received no answer. Sipe then called the flight to say we would go out at 34 inches, which we proceeded to do. Approximately 10 to 15 minutes before reaching the Dutch coast, Sipe called that his oil pressure was down to 30 LBS. We were about 5 miles off the Dutch coast, west of Den Helder, when he again called in and said he believed he would have to get out. His plane began issuing heavy black smoke and the prop could be seen windmilling. Shortly thereafter, he stalled the ship and make a clear jump. This was about 9,500 Ft. I switched to "A" channel and gave a call for Air-Sea rescue. The reception was poor, and I could not hear what they were saying, but I believe they were receiving me, so I gave another long call. Sipe hit the water from an altitude of about 100 Ft. I observed him open his dinghy and climb into it. He waved and appeared to be o.k. I gave another call on "B" channel. Sipe was approximately 3/4 of a mile from a channel buoy. He did not appear to be paddling for the buoy. I leaned my ship out to 1850 RPM and 30 inches and circled him and the buoy for approximately two hours. Meanwhile, I tried to get help or information on any of the channels, but failed to make a contact. I circled at 1,000 ft., until the weather forced me down to 500 Ft. There was no horizon at all and visibility was becoming worse, approximately one mile when I left. If it weren't for my knowledge of his position from the buoy, it would have been impossible to stay with him. Before leaving him, I checked his position from the buoy again, and it was then a course of 195 degrees. He was drifting southwest and about one mile from the buoy. I buzzed him twice before leaving, and he waved. I left about 1545–1600 hours, and returned on instruments to a field at south end at 1700. I immediately contacted Air-Sea Rescue and gave them full information."

Statement of Extent of Search: The 16th Wing of the RAF Air-Sea Rescue was employed for approximately forty-eight (48) hours, as soon as the information concerning Lt Sipe reached them. Aircraft from the Eighth and Ninth Air Forces also were dispatched to aid in the search on the following day. An International SOS given approximately forty-eight (48) hours after the search for Lt Sipe proved unsuccessful.

1st Lt Sipe was one of three brothers who became a casualty. The three had held a reunion in England over a year earlier and then in April 1943, Lt Donald Sipe was reported missing, later turning up as a prisoner in Germany. In July, it was learned that Lt Clinton Sipe had died of wounds, and Lt Daniel Sipe was missing on 13 May 1944. He was officially declared dead on 7 November 1945. His brother, 1st Lt Clinton Peter Sipe, died on 18 July 1943 in a British Naval Hospital in Malta. He served with the Air Corps. He is buried at Allegheny County Memorial Park in Allison Park, Pennsylvania.

Note about the group picture: The man with the white shirt, below right, is Marion Morphew and was the second husband of Lt Sipe's wife. They were married in 1946 and Sipe's daughter carried his name until she married.