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While performing a combat mission over mountainous terrain in Burma, Lieutenant <em>Horace Allan Lawler</em>, younger son of Mr. and Mrs. Horace J. Lawler, Paris, Illinois, lost altitude in his P-40 fighter and disappeared through a cloud. No further word was heard from him.</p>
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Allan was born June 1, 1919, in Paris and from the time he was six years old he dreamed of being a pilot. Mechanically inclined, he spent many childhood hours with his box of tools building model planes.</p>
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A studious child, he divided his time between his school work at Mayo school and his dog, pony, and bicycle. At the age of seven he became the youngest member of the Paris Drum Corps and remained with that organization until it was disbanded eight years later. When the Corps went on out-of-town trips, Allan was always put on exhibition and played a drum solo from a chair or the top of a piano. Later he played the trap drums with a dance orchestra.</p>
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After his graduation from Mayo Junior High School, Allan attended Paris High School for four years and was graduated in 1936. He was president of his class in his senior year, and played the trap drums in the high school orchestra. During this time, he was employed as a carrier and later an office attendant for the <em>Paris Daily Beacon-News.</em> Because of his afterschool job, his participation in athletics was limited to intramural basketball.</p>
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Before going to the University of Illinois at Urbana, he went back to Paris High School for a post-graduate course. At the University he studied mechanical engineering. While there he was in the R.O.T.C. and a member of the Pershing Rifles.</p>
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Allan received his Congressional appointment to West Point July 1, 1938, and entered the Academy July 6th at the age of nineteen. Because of his excellent scholastic record at the University and throughout his earlier schooling, he was not required to take the scholastic examination. His closest friend while at West Point was Major John D. Reid, Des Moines, Iowa, who was with him throughout his four years at West Point and his entire training. The two men remained in the same group, the Twentieth Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, together and both went overseas November 19, 1943.</p>
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At the Academy, he was a member of the Ski Club for four years and president during his first class year.</p>
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He was a corporal in his second class year and a sergeant in his first class year. Allan was also a member of the Ring Committee for four years. He was graduated May 29, 1942, and commissioned a Second Lieutenant.</p>
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Highly regarded by his classmates, Allan was described as level-headed, smiling and ready to take anything without a growl. He was ready for everything—dragging, boodling, a set of tennis or a Saturday night bridge game. True to his serious nature, he worked as hard at having a good time as at his scholastic and practical activities. He had a brilliant, logical mind combined with drive and a knack for making and keeping friends.</p>
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After his graduation from West Point, he was sent to Corsicana, Texas, for his primary training and to Randolph Field, Texas, for basic instruction. He received his wings at Brooks Field, Texas, December 13, 1942. Commissioned a First Lieutenant in January, 1943, he was stationed at the Army Air Base, Laurel, Texas; Esler Field, Louisiana, and Key Field, Mississippi, before going overseas. His stay in the States, however, was much too long to suit Allan. He was very anxious to get across because he was afraid things would be over before he got there. As had been true throughout his life, he wanted to be in the thick of the action all the time.</p>
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Seven months from the day of his sailing from the United States, Allan’s tragic accident occurred. All that is known about it is what is written in a letter to his father from Major William R. Fornof, commanding officer of the Twentieth Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron. An account of Allan’s last flight and a tribute to him, the letter reads as follows:</p>
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“The War Department has notified that your son, Horace, or ‘Al’ to us, is missing in action.</p>
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“On 19th, June, 1944, Al was performing a combat mission over mountainous terrain. The weather was slightly rough. Small thunderstorms were in the area. Al became separated from his lead ship and lost radio contact with the flight while passing through a small cloud. When last sighted, his airplane was drifting away from the flight.</p>
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“Search is being continued in the general area where last sighted. True, he is ‘missing in action’ but the entire squadron is hopefully awaiting his return. His absence is felt by both officers and men of the organization. Al is a superior officer—a soldier. Higher tribute cannot be paid.</p>
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“Please accept our condolences. We know that you, as well as we, are anxiously awaiting his return.”</p>
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Dated July 1, 1944, the letter is signed William R. Fornof, Major, Air Corps.</p>
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A soldier through and through, Allan intended to remain in the Army Air Corps after the war. His childhood dreams and ambitions of being a pilot guided his entire life.</p>
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In addition to his devotion to flying, he was extremely fond of children. He always went to see the boys and girls in the neighborhood when he was home on leave and would gladly listen to their problems, stories, and hopes. A lover of people, he was devoted to his family and his many friends, both at home and in the service.</p>
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His brother, Captain Jack D. Lawler, an Army paratrooper, lost his life in Germany March 24, 1945. He had no other brothers or sisters.</p>
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<em>—Mrs. H. J. Lawler, Mother</em></p>
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