Hoffman, Virgil Lee

the body of Sergeant Virgil Lee Hoffman, former Miamian who was killed in action on a flight over Europe on Nov 26, 1943, will arrive at Miami for services and reburial Wednesday. the son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Payton, 26 B. street northwest, Miami, Sergeant Hoffman was 25 years old when he lost his life. a member of a B-24 bomber plane 10 man crew. Sergeant Hoffman was one of six airmen killed when their Flying Fortress was shot down by German planes over Holland. four of his comrades were taken prisoners by the enemy. the bomber was based in England. the Miamian, who was first engineer on the plane, and his decreased buddies originally were buried is a cemetery in Opeinde Holland. a Dutch clergyman officiated at services, which included special military rites at the grave by two German soldiers. Sergeant Hoffman was awarded the Air Medal with an oak leaf cluster after he participated in the African campaign. he was presented the Distinguished Flying Cross for his part in destroying the Ploesti oil fields in Roumania, then held by the Nazis. a former News Record carrier, Sergeant Hoffman also is survived by a sister, Miss Grace J. Payton of Boise Idaho, and a brother, Douglas Payton, of the home. the Cooper funeral home will be in charge of the body.

--- ...Burial in G.A.R. cemetery at Miami. ...Honorary pallbearers will be G. H. Kanady, N. F. Wright, Bert Wall, W. L. Larimore, L. M. Torbert and R. J. Tuthill.