 On August 10, 1918, while on protection patrol, Rabbit Curry was killed in an aerial combat over Perles, France.After learning about Curry's death McGugin wired this telegram to "The Tennessean"

During the four years of my intimate association with Irby Curry, I never heard him utter a word his mother might not hear and approve.A game sportsman and scholar, truly he was gentle as a dove.