Funeral services will take place on Thursday, October 24, 2024 at 10:00 AM (Mountain).
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota
Philip, South Dakota
In memory of
Earl F. Ferguson
of Philip, South Dakota, died on Sunday, August 1, 1943 in Romania at the age of 26
Earl F. Ferguson was born July 6, 1917, to Edward V. and Frances Ferguson. He was a brother to Erma, Ford, Eddie and Tom. He grew up on the ranch northeast of Philip.
He enlisted in the Army Air Corps in January, 1942. Earl was admitted to aviation cadet training in March,1942 and trained at bases in California, Arizona and Texas. He graduated from Marfa, Texas in class 43-C as a pilot and was commissioned Second Lieutenant. He trained further at bases in New Mexico and Texas. In May, 1943, Earl was sent overseas. He was assigned to the 93rd Bomb Group as a B-24 pilot and flew seven missions.
Lieutenant Ferguson was killed along with eight other crew members on August 1, 1943, when their B-24 bomber was shot down over the Pelosti Oil Fields in Romania in WWII. He was posthumously awarded the Air Medal, Purple Heart and Distinguished Flying Cross.
After almost eighty years, the remains of Lt. Ferguson were identified and will be returned to Philip for burial with his parents with full military honors which will take place at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, October 24, 2024 at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip with Pastor Kathy Chesney officiating.
Earl is survived by nieces, nephews and other family members.
The family would like to thank the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency for their tireless efforts to identify Lt. Ferguson’s remains. We would also like to thank Capt. Phillip Thompson and The Rush Funeral Home for their invaluable assistance in bringing Uncle Earl home.
GRAVESIDE SERVICE
WITH MILITARY HONORS
Thursday, October 24, 2024 - 10:00 a.m.
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota
OFFICIATING
Pastor Kathy Chesney
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What a sacrifice your family made. Thank you for your service. ~ RoseAnn Wendell Pierre (10/12/2024)
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What a story~thank you to Earl for your service! ~ Colette Kessler White River / Pierre (10/8/2024)
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One of the many things I am proud and thankful for is our caring nation is willing to expend the time, effort, and resources to identify/return the remains of our brave warriors and give peace and closure to their families. I will be honored to pay tribute to Lt. Ferguson for his selfless sacrifice that allows all of us to live a free in a peaceful and secure nation. Thank you Earl and family. ~ Richard Corzine Philip (10/7/2024)
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In 1965 I graduated from Philip High School and received the first Earl Francis Ferguson Memorial Scholarship for $400. This was greatly appreciated by me and my family. I am glad to know Earl is coming home and grateful for his service. ~ Gayle Hunt Matz Brookings SD (10/5/2024)
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THANKS FOR YOUR SERVICE ~ A VETERAN (10/4/2024)