Briefing Document: Daniel Richard Conway

Date: October 26, 2023

Subject: Summary of available information regarding the life and death of Daniel Richard Conway.

Sources: Excerpts from "Pasted Text"

Overview: This document outlines the known life details of Daniel Richard Conway, primarily focusing on his family background, location throughout his early life, his military service, and ultimately, his tragic death. The information is pieced together from census data, marriage records, and details surrounding his fatal plane crash during his time as an aviation instructor.

Key Themes & Facts:

Early Life & Family:

Birth: Daniel Richard Conway was born on April 9, 1917, in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, Ohio.

Parents: His parents were Margaret Mary Nelson (born 1894 in Missouri, died 1948 in New York) and Timothy J. Conway (born 1892 in Ohio, died 1965 in Ohio).

Siblings: Daniel grew up in a large family. The text indicates two siblings by 1920 and seven siblings by 1930, suggesting a family with at least eight children.

Location: The family lived in various locations in Ohio: Cleveland (1920), Lakewood (1930), and Shaker Heights (1935).

Military Service & Aviation Career:

Aviation Cadet: In 1940, at the age of 23, Daniel was an aviation cadet living in US Army quarters at Kelly Field in Bexar County, Texas. This indicates his early interest and entry into military aviation.

Aviation Instructor: By 1941, Daniel had become an Aviation Instructor (civilian) with the US Army Air Forces, specifically assigned to the 2548th AAF Base Unit, 317th AAF Flight Training Detachment, 41-B Pilot Training Class.

Training Aircraft: He was flying a Vultee BT-13A (41-9623) training aircraft.

Marriage:

Daniel married Miss Catherine Johnson of Fort Worth, Texas, on July 26, 1941, in Fort Worth.

Fatal Plane Crash:

Date: On September 15, 1941, while on a routine training flight out of Curtis Field in McCulloch County, Texas, the aircraft he was piloting crashed.

Location: The crash occurred twelve miles southwest of Curtis Field.

Circumstances: " ...the plane crashed and burned twelve miles southwest of Curtis Field, killing AvC Smith instantly and mortally injuring AvI Conway..."

Death: Daniel Richard Conway was mortally injured in the crash and subsequently died at a hospital in Brady, Texas. The details of the incident are further documented at the Heart of Texas Museum.

Burial:

Daniel Conway's remains were shipped back to Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, Ohio and he was interred in Calvary Cemetery.

Key Quotes:

"Aviation Instructor Daniel Richard Conway (civilian) US Army Air Forces ... was in a Vultee BT-13A 41-9623 training aircraft ... when the plane crashed and burned... killing AvC Smith instantly and mortally injuring AvI Conway..."

Analysis & Implications:

The provided text paints a picture of a young man, Daniel Richard Conway, whose life was tragically cut short just a few months after his wedding, while serving as an aviation instructor during the build-up to World War II. The available records show his journey from a large family in Ohio to a military career in Texas. The fatal plane crash highlights the dangers associated with early military aviation training and underscores the sacrifices made by those involved in the war effort. The reference to the Heart of Texas Museum suggests a greater level of documentation may be available concerning his death.

Further Research:

Further investigation into the records at the Heart of Texas Museum is recommended to obtain more details surrounding the crash. Reviewing military records for Daniel R. Conway could offer further insights into his training, military history, and other possible details of his service.