Lt. Vincent H. Core Memorial - Farmington, CT - Specific Veteran Memorials on Waymarking.com

Lieutenant Core is considered a hero in the town of Farmington because when he realized his plane was going to crash, he managed to avoid residential areas.

The monument consists of a dedicated bench, two markers (a granite one and a plaque, a flagpole, and a birdhouse with a model plane on top.

From The Hartford Courant, April 12, 1945:

"Brooklyn Pilot Killed in Farmington Crash
Windsor Locks, April 11

Second Lieutenant Vincent H. Core, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Core of 1635 Cropsey Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, was killed shortly after 2:30 pm Wednesday when his P-47 Thunderbolt fighter plane crashed near Farmington. It was announced by Colonel HE Johnson, base commander at Bradley Field. Next of kin has been notified.
A board of Army Air Force officers will investigate to determine the cause of the accident which occurred during a combat training flight.
Residents near the scene of the crash in soft ground at the endge of the Memorial Forest, off Route 177, a short distance north of Route 6, said the plane was smoking as it came down in a steep dive.
'I shall always believe the pilot stayed with his burning plane to guide it away from the houses instead of parachuting to safety,' declared Mrs. LA Grouten, one of those who saw the crash.
Firemen extinguished a brush fire which started after the plane struck the ground and exploded.
State Police and crews from Bradley Field quickly went to the scene following the crash."

From the town of Farmington's website:

"In 1945, 2nd Lt. Vincent H. Core died in a training run, crashing his P47 Thunderbolt plane into the Farmington Memorial Town Forest, and avoiding major population centers nearby. The Memorial is dedicated to his focused decision before his plane crashed. The main access to the Memorial is from Red Oak Hill Road, but Reservation Road, is also an option.

Red Oak Hill Road is limited to one car parking (41° 43' 47.11" N 72° 51' 56.64" W). The 1.4 mile trail is level and dry, even in early spring. It is a very well marked orange blazed trail created by William S. Sanford as an Eagle Scout Project in 2014. It has a triangle loop with two spurs. It is a short walk to the top of the triangle. Turning right is the most direct way to the Memorial, which is also posted with metal signs. In 0.2 miles, the orange trail (O) makes a 90° left turn and the Memorial Trail goes right. Follow the signs (S) to the end of this spur and the Memorial location (photo). Return to the junction with the orange trail to complete the second leg of the triangle. After another 0.1 mile you reach a “T” junction. Turning left takes you directly back to your car. Turning right takes you to the “T” junction with the blue trail. The orange blazes end, but the wide straight trail is easy to follow. Taking a left on the wide blue trail will bring you to the Reservation Road cul-de-sac after 0.2 miles. Reservation Road has parking for 4 cars. The Blue Trail is unmarked, but it is 8 feet wide and straight. There are yellow metal signs for the Farmington Memorial Town Forest on your right and houses on your left. You will reach the ?rst right hand 90° turn in 0.2 miles. This is the 0.1 mile, straight and unmarked connecting trail mentioned above that brings you to the southern point of the triangle (note map). The orange blazes are now very clear. Turning left is the most direct route to the Memorial."

Link that includes map and photos: (visit link)

Website pertaining to the memorial: [Web Link] List if there are any visiting hours: Dawn-Dusk Entrance fees (if it applies): free Type of memorial: Monument

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