Carlton V. Coleman entered military service in Virginia. He served in the 331st Bomber Squadron, 94th Bomber Group, Heavy, as a Staff Sergeant and Tail Gunner on the B-17 #42-31212 during World War II.

On January 5, 1944, his crew took off at Bury St. Edmunds airfield in England on a bombing mission to the Merignac airfield in France. After completing the mission, they were attacked by two German Focke-Wulf 190s and shot them down. The impact from 20mm shells tore their aircraft in half. SSgt Coleman's body was reportedly found in the wreckage, presumably killed by the explosion. The remaining seven members survived.

SSgt Coleman is now buried in the Normandy American Cemetery, Colleville-Sur-Mer, France.

Source of information: www.findagrave.com, francecrashes39-45.net, www.aerosteles.net