1st Lt. Miles Alderman Gayle

Miles Alderman Gayle graduated from High Point High School. He attended Duke University for three years, then headed to the U.S. Military Academy, with his heart apparently set on becoming an American flyboy. At West Point, Gayle was involved with golf, soccer, Cadet Chapel Choir, Dialectic Society, concert and dance orchestras, yearbook staff, glee club director. He was even head cheerleader in 1942, the year he graduated.

After graduation he entered the U.S. Army Air Forces as an aviation officer — a path taken by many West Point graduates during World War II who were assigned to air units.

In February of 1943, he married Louise deJarnett at an air base chapel in Georgia. The newlyweds came through High Point a few days later to visit Gayle's parents. This would not be an extended visit, as the young officer and his bride were headed to California, where he was to be stationed with the 329th Fighter Squadron. Miles was training to become a fighter pilot.

On the morning of July 7, 1943 news broke about a P-39 fighter plane that had mysteriously plummeted into Clear Lake, in Lake County, California. A 14-year-old boy who had been watching the plane and two others that had been in formation with Gayle stated the crash occurred at 11:30. The boy reported the incident to the local sheriff's office.

"The plane apparently smashed to pieces," the local newspaper reported, "as considerable debris, the gas tank, first aid kit, a part of the pilot's cushion and his helmet were picked up near the scene about two hours after the crash." Miles, age 23, was reported missing and presumed dead.

For two weeks, crews searched the waters and shoreline of the 44,000-acre lake but found no trace of the downed airman. The military called off the search on July 22, conceding Gayle's body might never be found. Two days after the search was abandoned, a couple picnicking by the lake spied Miles's body washed up on the shore. He was still strapped into the pilot's seat and still carrying a parachute.

No one knows why the plane crashed.

Gayle's remains were returned to High Point, and they were laid to rest in the family burial plot in a Greensboro cemetery. His grave marker bears a military insignia and the words, "Duty, Honor, Country."
Seven months after the fatal crash, his wife gave birth to a son, Miles Alderman Gayle II.