Retired Air Force Col. James P. Cooney, 80, died May 3 in Niceville, Fla. During his 27 year career, Cooney flew as part of the YF-12 record-setting test flight that earned the 1965 Mackay Trophy for Cooney and four other Air Force officers. Cooney also flew 186 combat missions in the F-4 during the Vietnam War as a member of the then-555th Tactical Fighter Squadron. He received a Silver Star for shooting down a MiG-19 and went on to receive a total of six Distinguished Flying Crosses and 20 air medals. He retired from the Air Force in 1977.
Airman 1st Class Marcus White-Allen concocted a story to cover up that he fired his M18 9mm pistol into Airman Braden Lovan’s chest killing him on July 20, two Airmen from F.E. Warren Air Force Base, WY testified during separate courts martial proceedings on Oct. 30-31.
