Charles Bernard Coffman was born on April 23, 1924, in Gettysburg, Adams County, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Albert Sidney and Georgia Boyd Coffman. He was married to Myrtis Louise Johnson Coffman. He served in the 700th Bomber Squadron, 445th Bomber Group, Heavy, as a Staff Sergeant and Left Waist Gunner of the B-24 #4129306 'K for King' during World War II.

On April 22, 1944, the aircraft was struck by anti-aircraft fire during a bombing mission over Hamm, Germany. It sustained damage from German anti-aircraft fire (flak) and possibly fighters, ultimately crashing near Spiere-Helkijn during its return flight. Several crew members were killed, and others were captured or evaded.

SSgt. Coffman was captured and held as a prisoner of war at Stalag Luft IV in Gross-Tychow, Pomerania. He co-founded Coffman Jewelers in 1948, serving the Gettysburg community for 60 years. SSgt Coffman died on January 18, 2008, and is now buried in the Evergreen Cemetery, Gettysburg, Adams County, Pennsylvania, USA.

Source of information: www.tracesofwar.com