A handy list

[Dan K]

Just stumbled across this while surfing--nice combined list of American aces from the war.

http://users.accesscomm.ca/magnusfamily/ww2usa.htm

It even has Boyington's record listed correctly--I'm impressed.

[Swiss Mustangs]

Thanks Dan

another useful link that also lists those that didn't achieve ace status:

http://www.maxwell.af.mil/au/afhra/wwwr ... index.html

Cheers
Martin

[tom d. friedman]

the u.s. fraternity of aces is bigger than i thought!! same goes with the international list. on the other thread regarding chinese aces. somebody sent a fabulous list of worldwide ww 2 aces on that thread, more than worth a look!!

[RyanShort1]

Martin,

Any idea how accurate that site is?
I'm quite curious after looking up the last name Kester... The project I've been working on is on Lt. John E. Kester, and he claimed a Japanese fighter plane with the 45th FS...

Ryan

[Swiss Mustangs]

Ryan

will check Olynik's victory list for your case tonight (and also the serials I promised many moons ago)

Martin

[RyanShort1]

Martin,
Here's some more data if it might help. The date should be 19 July 1945, south of Nagoya (possibly Kagamigahara) on a strike mission. The letter next to me on the desk says that he was flying top cover for the strike section attacking an airfield. Saw a green colored Japanese aircraft around 500'. Letter says he attacked the aircraft, followed it down as it rolled over smoking until he had to pull up. The aircraft crashed onto the airfield breaking into flames. Mentions in the letter that he called over the radio for the other guys to look at the crash. Pictures I have of the aircraft also show one Japanese flag for the victory.

Ryan

[Swiss Mustangs]

Ryan

your date is correct - it was a Mitsubishi J2M Raiden "Jack", claimed between 1030 and 1100 hours on 19th July 1945 - location is given N of Komaki A/F - credited to 1/Lt. John E. Kester

HTH
Martin