Manuel Cuāuhpilli 💯🏴‍☠️🇲🇽

🇺🇸 He was only 23. His airplane became his coffin. November 5, 1944. Manila Bay, Philippines. Loyce Edward Deen was a 23-year-old American sailor serving as a turret gunner aboard a TBM Avenger of Torpedo Squadron 15 (VT-15), operating from USS Essex (CV-9). During an attack against Japanese warships, his Avenger came under intense antiaircraft fire. A shell exploded in the rear turret, killing Deen instantly. His pilot, Lt. Robert Cosgrove, managed to bring the damaged aircraft back to Essex. But when the ground crew approached the Avenger, they discovered a terrible sight. Deen was still inside his shattered turret. His injuries were so severe that removing his remains was considered impractical. The Navy made an extraordinary decision. After a solemn ceremony on the flight deck, attended by his fellow sailors, the Avenger was pushed overboard with Deen still inside. His airplane became his coffin. Loyce Edward Deen is believed to be the only American serviceman of World War II deliberately buried at sea inside his aircraft. The entire ceremony was captured on film. Eighty-two years later, these images remain deeply moving. Rest in peace, Loyce. Your sacrifice has not been forgotten. 🎥 Authentic USN footage, November 5, 1944 🇺🇸