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- Freeport Journal-Standard
Mon., July 26, 1943, pg. 8
SYCAMORE FLIER KILLED IN ACCIDENT
SATURDAY AT ARMY AIR CORPS BASE
Sycamore, IL., July 26 - Word was received here Saturday that Second Lieutenant Jay D. Underwood, 25, was killed at 1 o'clock that morning in an airplane accident near an army air corps base at Ephrata, Wash., to which station he had reported 16 days ago after spending a furlough here with his wife and parents.
Lieutenant Underwood was born in Rochelle, on Dec. 9, 1917. He came to Sycamore 20 years ago and attended local schools, being graduated from the high school here. Two years ago he married Mary Gene Binkley and entered the army in January 1942. He was commissioned a second lieutenant last April. Three brothers are in the service: Sgt. Miles Underwood is in the southwest Pacific; Pvt. Glenn Underwood is serving in Tunisia; Pvt. Robert Underwood is in New Zealand with the Marine Corps.
One of four stars that have been proudly displayed in the home of Mr. & Mrs. Don Underwood at Sycamore will be changed to gold as Lieut. Jay D. Underwood their son, was killed in an air crash near an army air corps base at Ephrata, Wash., Saturday afternoon. Lieutenant Underwood was 25 years old.
News of the tragedy which cost the life of the Sycamore young man was received by his wife Mary, and parents late Saturday night and came sixteen days after the flier left Sycamore for the new air base. He had been in Sycamore on a fourteen day leave. The message received here came from Lieut. Col. Stanley Pearsons, Lieutenant Underwood's commanding officer.
Lieutenant Underwood was a pilot of a B-17 bomber and had been stationed in Florida earlier this year. Last month he made a trip from Florida to St. Paul, Minn., and when over Sycamore, brought the big bomber down close and dipped the wings of the ship as he passed over the city as a salute to the old home town. He returned to Chicago and was granted a leave and left for the northwestern air base July 8.
He was commissioned a second lieutenant at Valdosta, Ga., April 29 of this year.
True Republican, 28 March 1944
In loving memory of Lt. Jay Underwood, son of Mr. and Mrs. Don Underwood of this city, who paid the supreme sacrifice, that of giving his life for his country, his classmates of the graduating class of 1935 of the Sycamore High School have planted an elm tree in the local community park at the further entrance, directly across from the swimming pool, between the two fir trees.
The announcement of this beautiful gesture by the class is somewhat belated, the tree having been planted over three months ago. The members have endeavored to secure a plaque to be placed on the tree, but as none would be available until after the war, they decided to announce the planting of the tree at this time.
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12/19/2016, Notice of death provided by Find-A-Grave contributor Elsie Harmon.
Inscription
LT UAAF
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1917 - 1943 (25 years)
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