WWII pilot reaches final resting place in Philip over 80 years later

Services held in Haakon County town for Earl F. Ferguson

Earl F. Ferguson (Rush Funeral Home)

After almost eight decades, 2nd Lt. Earl F. Ferguson, a native son of Philip who was killed in action during World War II, was laid to rest in his hometown.

Ferguson, who was 26 years old at the time of his death, had been missing since Aug 1, 1943, when the B-24 bomber he co-piloted was shot down over Romania during Operation Tidal Wave. He was buried Thursday morning in Philip’s Masonic Cemetery.

Born on July 6, 1917, to Edward and Frances, Earl grew up on the family ranch northeast of Philip alongside his four siblings, Erma, Ford, Eddie, and Tom. From an early age, Ferguson displayed courage and dedication that would later define his military career. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps in January 1942, beginning his journey as an aviator. After completing training at bases in California, Arizona, and Texas, he earned his wings in March 1943 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant upon graduating from Marfa, Texas.

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By May 1943, Ferguson was overseas, serving as a B-24 pilot with the 93rd Bomb Group (Heavy), 329th Bombardment Squadron. During his brief time in combat, he flew seven missions, each contributing to the Allied effort in the European theater.

On Aug. 1, 1943, Ferguson and his crew embarked on what would be his final mission, targeting the vital oil fields held in Nazi-occupied Romania. Their B-24 was hit by enemy anti-aircraft fire, and the crash claimed the lives of Ferguson and eight other crew members.

Posthumously, Ferguson was awarded the Air Medal, the Purple Heart, and the Distinguished Flying Cross, honoring his bravery and sacrifice. For years, his remains lay at the American Military Cemetery in Neuville-en-Condroz, Belgium, until they were exhumed for identification in 2017. Using DNA from surviving relatives, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) confirmed Ferguson’s identity on Sept. 30, 2019, bringing his family much-needed closure.

At the graveside service in Philip, full military honors were rendered as Ferguson’s remains were finally reunited with his parents in their family plot. Ferguson is survived by nieces, nephews, and other extended family members, who were among the many gathered to witness his long-awaited return. Rush Funeral Home of Wall facilitated the services.

Ferguson is given full military honors during his funeral in Philip Thursday. (Rush Funeral Home)

Ferguson’s name is also memorialized on the Tablets of the Missing at the Florence American Cemetery in Impruneta, Italy. A rosette will now be placed next to his name, marking that he has been accounted for and brought home.

Ferguson is the second World War Two veteran to be brought home to South Dakota just this year. Robert Bartlett, killed in France in 1944, was buried in Blunt earlier this year.

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