THE FLAGLER TRIBUNE
Bunnell, Florida
Thursday, March 8, 1945
The Tribune has just learned that Lt. Joy M. Deen, reported by the War Department as missing in action July 19, 1944, was killed in action on that date.
He was the grandson of J. E. Deen and the grandson of Mrs. C. E. Sisco of Bunnell. Mrs. Sisco gave the information to The Tribune. Lt. Deen's wife resides in Miami.
His wife, Martha, received from Maj. Gen. J. A. Ulio in Washington that "The report received from the German government through the International Red Cross contained only the fact that he died on July 19, 1944. Since it gives the date of his death as the same date he was previously reported missing in action, it has been officially recorded on the records of the War Department that he was killed in action on that date x x x "
Mrs. Deen also received a letter from General H. H. Arnold wherein Gen. Arnold said, in part: "As an officer he displayed outstanding diligence and resourcefulness, and the conscientious manner in which he performed assignments earned the respect and admiration of all who were associated with him."
In addition she also received a letter of condolence from President Roosevelt.
Lt. Deen was a graduate of Bunnell High School and Florida Southern College, and was teaching in the Dade County public school system prior to entering the army. He received his wings at Moody Field, Valdosta, Ga. in 1942 and was an instructor at the army air field at Avon Park several months before going overseas in November 1943.In a letter to Mrs. Deen, Secretary of War, Henry L. Simpson said "You will shortly receive the Purple Heart Medal, which has been posthumously awarded by directions of the President to your husband x x x it is sent as a tangible expression of the Country's gratitude for his gallantry and devotion x x x "
The official notification of Lt. Deen's, death stated that he was lost "over France." He was a bomber pilot and it is believed he was flying a B-26 at the time of his death.
