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Colonel <em>Arthur W. Meehan</em> was listed as “missing in action” following a night bombardment mission against Japanese shipping at Buin-Faisi on November 16, 1942. This untimely event marked the finish of an illustrious career as a military aviator.</p>
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Art was born in Woodstock, Illinois, on September 11, 1904, the only son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Meehan. His parents moved to Indianapolis, Indiana early in Art’s life, and his schooling through high school was in Indianapolis. After completing high school he attended the University of Indiana at Bloomington. Mr. Stuart of <em>The Indianapolis Star</em>, who had followed with interest the athletic ability of the youngster while he was playing high school football and baseball, was influential in securing for him an appointment to the West Point Class of 1928.</p>
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From beast barracks days Art was a leader among his classmates, a particularly able athlete, and a most popular cadet. His personality was such that he was liked immediately by his classmates and upper classmen alike. Captain of the wrestling team, quarterback of a great varsity football team, hop manager, second class corporal, and first class lieutenant, Art’s academy life was a full one and a happy one. He graduated near the middle of his class in 1928 and went immediately to flying school at Brooks Field, San Antonio, Texas.</p>
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Graduating from flying school in the pursuit section. Art reported to Selfridge Field as a Second Lieutenant, Air Corps. Randolph Field, Mitchel Field, and Hickam Field followed in order for his peacetime assignments. While at Selfridge Field he married the sweetheart of his cadet days, Lucy Daniel of Newburgh, New York. Two little girls were born of this union.</p>
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Throughout his service in the United States, Art coached football at West Point during football seasons. His ability, patience, and leadership made him an exceptionally capable coach and he gained a host of service friends through this association.</p>
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Upon transfer to Hawaii Art began his bombardment career and was in command of the 72d Bombardment Squadron when the Japanese attack took place on December 7, 1941. From this job he went to the Staff of the Seventh Air Force as the Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations, and in that position was responsible for the planning and processing of many early air units through Hawaii to the Pacific war. An active pilot, and having pioneered long over-water flights in land based aircraft, Art volunteered for and executed the longest overwater bombing mission, against Japanese Installations on Wake Island. For this flight he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in June 1942.</p>
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In August 1942 Art, then a Colonel in the Air Corps, was given command of the newly organized 90th Heavy Bombardment Group and he began his last minute grooming of that organization before taking it into the war against the Japanese in New Guinea. Art’s station was Iron Range in the northern Australian jungles. From this base, be began bombing operations against shipping in and near Rabaul Harbor. The second mission led by this able leader resulted in his death somewhere over Japanese waters. His life and active leadership ended with this flight, but the influence of his courageousness and ability stayed with his organization throughout the war. Art’s death undoubtedly brought an end to a career that would have continued in the illustrious pattern set by his early war exploits. To those of us who knew him intimately his high ideals were fully realized. He lived true to the traditions of the motto of his Alma Mater, “Duty, Honor, and Country,” and his spirit will ever fly with his comrades.</p>
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