Herbert J. Hagamon was born in 1918 to Conley and Delta Hagamon who lived at 355 South First Avenue in Coatesville, Pennsylvania. 

Herbert attended the S. Horace Scott High School in Coatesville. The High School Yearbook says of Herbert: “The blond boy with a blush – a studious fellow – quiet – shy – a good sport – diligent – trustworthy - a sense of humor.” 

Herbert was a member of a group of 5 close friends who helped each other with school and personal problems, playing games and going out together: Jim Latta, Harry Lackey, hero John Grycky, and hero Vernon Rubincam.   They met with others to play touch football nearly every Sunday afternoon at the Latta’s Farm, which was located in Parkesburg, on Rt. 10 and Rt. 30, where a new Wal-Mart is located today.

Harry remembers meeting Herbert in grade school and becoming close friends.  Herbert obtained his pilot’s license at Coatesville Airport along with Vernon.  Herbert gave him his first airplane ride, flying over the surrounding valley, which Harry remembers as a real thrill.

Herbert graduated from Scott in 1936, and obtained employment with Harry at Lukens Steel in Coatesville.  Herbert became an accomplished machinist.   Harry remembers that once when Lukens laid them off, they obtained employment at a relatively new paper mill, Beach and Arthur, in nearby Modina.  Harry worked in the office, and Herbert learned the craft of block printing.  B&A produced paper napkins and Herbert designed many of them.

When our nation was attacked at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1942, Herbert set aside his goals to defend our nation.  All of his friends felt the same.  Harry Lackey had a vision problem which prevented him from enlisting in the Armed Services.  He served on the Home Front, working at Lukens Steel, making critical castings for the Manhattan Atomic Project. 

Herbert as well as Jim Latta, Vernon Rubincam and Herb Hagamon joined the Armed Forces.  The four called themselves the “Knights of the Square Table” because they were like knights going to defend their Country, and they were going to “Square” things up. The “Knights” made a pact, that if any survived, they would attend to the families of the fallen.

Herbert enlisted in the Army Air Corps on August 16, 1942. He trained as a fighter pilot and earned a commission with the rank of Second Lieutenant. Herbert was sent overseas to the European Theater in 1943, serving with the Eighth Air Force. During his 2 years of service overseas, he was promoted to First Lieutenant, and later to the rank of Captain.

Herbert was stationed at the large base at Burtonwood.  Burtonwood was the maintenance and supply base for the US Air Force in Europe in WWII, near Liverpool Engand, being responsible for about another 30 bases throughout the UK and over 70,000 personnel.

Herbert  was serving in the 310 Ferry Squadron. On June 10, 1945, Herbert was ferrying an A-20 Havoc Fighter Bomber from France to England in stormy weather with 2 other pilots flying 3 aircraft. The A-20 was a very fast light bomber or an Attack aircraft (“A” designation instead of “B”).  Herbert’s aircraft never arrived. 

On June 25, 1945, his mother received a telegram that Robert was Missing In Action.  The telegram stated that Herbert “…was a pilot of an A-20 (Havoc) bomber, and was returning to England under adverse weather conditions, flying alone, when he suddenly disappeared and no contact could be made with him by radio or otherwise.” 

His mother made every effort to obtain more information about her son, by contacting the War Department, the Red Cross, and other agencies.  She received a telegram the week of December 8, which declared Herbert was Killed In Action. The telegram further stated “…unavoidable circumstances made necessary the unusual lapse of time in reporting your son’s death.”  

His mother received a letter from a General Edwin F. Witsell, Acting Adjutant General of the Army: 
“An official message has now been received which states he died on 10 June , 1945 in the European area.  However, you may rest assured that without further request on your part you will be advised promptly if any additional information concerning you loved one is received.

I recognize the anxiety you have suffered since he was first reported missing and deeply regret the sorrow this later report brings to you.  May the knowledge that he died in the service of his country be a source of sustaining comfort.  My sympathy is with you in this time of great sorrow.” 

A memorial service was held on Sunday January 27, 1946 for Captain Herbert Hagamon at the First Baptist Church on Barber Ave., in Coatesville. The service included a sermon by Reverend Charles I. Lunn, titled “When Death is Gain” Flowers were given by Miss Dorothy Beecher in Memory of Herbert.  Lieutenant James Latta spoke in tribute to Herbert, as a close friend. James Latta was a member of the “Knights of the Square Table” which included Heroes John Grysky, Vernon Rubincam, as well as Herbert. The Churches Service Flag was unveiled revealing a Gold Star an added star representing Herbert.  The citation read:
“To the memory of Herbert Hagamon, our brother in Christ Jesus, a member of this church, who gave his life for those holy ideals for which America stands and which we cherish so deeply.” 

Captain Herbert J. Hagamon is listed and honored on the Tablets of Missing or Buried at Sea at the Cambridge American Cemetery, in Cambridge, England. He was a holder of the Air Medal, and received the Purple Heart posthumously.

When planning for the High Schools Class of 1936’s 40^th reunion, the Class began an annual Scholarship, the Class of 1936 Memorial Scholarship to honor the 4 young men of that Class who died in World War II (heroes, John, Vernon, Herbert, and Harry Benard). The scholarship is given to a graduating Coatesville High School Senior for Good Citizenship.