About
World War II (1939-1945)
Vincent James Dugan was born in Schenectady, New York, on November 24, 1916. He grew up in the city of Schenectady and was a student at the Mohawk Country Day School, Nott Terrace High School, and Union College. After attending Union College, he went on to study at the Western Reserve University in Cleveland. By 1940, he had moved to Herkimer County, New York.
In June 1941, Vincent enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps. At Brooks Field in Texas, he was the top ranking cadet officer and received his wings in January 1942. In 1942, Vincent, a first lieutenant, was sent overseas. He participated in the Dieppe raid as a fighter pilot and battled from bases in England until January 1943, when he was assigned to the 347th Fighter Squadron. He died in a plane crash on May 27, 1943, after fighting throughout the Battle of Africa. He is buried in Calvary Cemetery in Herkimer County.
Sources: The Schenectady Gazette, Find A Grave, Ancestry