A heavy English fog eliminated the need for Robert's CPA exam.

Robert Coverstone was born about 1922, to Mr. and Mrs. Virgil Coverstone. Robert spent a portion of his youth in Santa Cruz and in 1939, attended Santa Cruz High School. While in high school, he delivered newspapers for the Santa Cruz Sentinel. About 1940 the family moved to Santa Barbara, where he graduated from high school. Coverstone then undertook studies to qualify as a certified public accountant; however, military service prevented him from completing his final examination.

In 1943 Robert Coverstone enlisted in the USAAF. After completing basic training, he entered the air cadet program and took his pre-flight training in Nevada. Upon completion of the advanced pilot training program he was commissioned a second lieutenant and issued his wings.

In June 1944, Lt. Coverstone was shipped overseas as a B-17 pilot assigned to the 422nd Squadron, 305th Bomb Group, 8th Air Force stationed at Chalveston, England. On October 22, 1944, Second Lieutenant Robert Coverstone was the co-pilot aboard the My Achin 'B' Flying Fortress returning to Chalveston from the bombing mission of a tank factory in Hanover, Germany. At the time of his return, the Chalveston area was experiencing heavy over-cast and limited visibility. As his B-17 approached the field in the fog, it collided with another returning aircraft killing both crews.

His remains were recovered and buried in the Cambridge American Cemetery in Cambridge, England. His awards include the Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters.

(ABMC, SCSn December 06, 1944 1:7; 2nd Lt John L Touchett, http://forum.armyairforces.com/m136431-p1-print.aspx [18 April 2009])