This SSgt's unit was based in Germany during the Korean war. I was unable to find a death record for him to indicate whether the death was combat-related, but he served in a fighter-bomber squadron and died a SSgt at age 20 in 1953. I believe the long-range reach of this unit would have placed it in the war zone on occasion. If you have any further info about this gentleman or the squadron, please contact me through the link on the memorial since it's one of mine.
James R Taylor
SSgt 53rd Fighter-Bomber Squad USAF
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi...d=83583268&