Word was received in Coldwater this week of the death of Roger Frost, a son of Ted H. Frost, formerly of Coldwater but now of Woodland, Calif. He was born in Coldwater and visited here in December, 1950. He was a cousin of Burley, Billy, Helen and Shelvay Frost of Coldwater.The following account of Roger's death is from the Woodland, Calif., Democrat:
Relatives and friends of Roger Alan Frost, 18 year old son of T. H. (Ted) Frost, 152 Oak Avenue, are awaiting details of the navy carrier accident in which the well known local youth was fatally injured Friday. Roger, an airman apprentice, was killed aboard the Phillipine Sea, one of the Navy's largest carriers, while the vessel was operating between Korea and Japan. News of the tragedy was contained in a Navy Department telegram to the boy's father while he was working with a P. G. & E. construction crew at 4 o'clock Friday afternoon 10 miles southeast of Woodland. Mr. Frost is a truck driver for the crew.
The following telegram was sent here to Ted Frost:
"With deep regret I officially report the death of your son, Roger Alan Frost, airman apprentice, U. S. Navy, as a result of injuries multiple extreme when he was struck by a plane crashing on the flight deck of the USS Phillipine Sea on 27 March, 1953. You will receive details by letter from your son's commanding officer. Due to the operating conditions of the vessel, it was necessary to bury your son's remains at sea. Your son died while serving his country and I extend my sincere sympathy in your great loss."
Roger had been overseas aboard the Phillipine Sea since December 16, when the vessel sailed from Alameda, Calif. He enlisted in the Navy one year and 16 days ago, receiving his boot training at San Diego.
The youth was born August 26, 1934, in Coldwater, Kans., and came here with his parents in 1939. He attended Dingle elementary school and Woodland High school.
Memorial services for Roger probably will be held in Woodland, according to his father. The date will depend on his brother's return from the European theatre.
Thanks to Shirley Brier for finding, transcribing and contributing the above news article to this web site!
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