Warbird Information Exchange

Honduran Air Force's Coronel (Ret) Fernando Soto H., well known for having shot down three Salvadoran Air Force aircraft during the 100 Hour War in July 1969, is having serious health problems.

More than a war-hero, Soto, or "Sotillo" as he is known in Honduras, is known as a gentleman; a soft-spoken and kind man.

My prayers and thoughts go to him, his family and his closest friends.


Tulio

Tulio (and those interested in world aviation news):

Sadly, Lt. Colonel Fernando Soto H. (67) passed away early this morning.

He joined the Honduran air force in 1956 and after having been granted an scholarship was sent to Moody AFB, located in Valdosta, Georgia, where he was quickly rejected for being "too thin" (skinny) acording to the academy standards.
This gentleman, affectionatelly known as "Sotillo" among Hondurans, earned his wings in 1958, at the "Escuela Militar de Avición" (Honduran air force aviation school). On July 17, 1969, he became a national hero during the "100-Hour war", after shooting down one Salvadoran air force Cavalier F-51D Mustang and two Goodyear FG-1D Corsairs.

Incredible as it may seem, the Salvadoran air force had eleven first line fighters (six Mustangs and five Corsairs), while the Honduran air force also had eleven first line fighters (F4U-5 and F4U-4 Corsairs).
His contribution to that war's effort is more than obvious.

Shortly thereafter he continued flying in the now extint Honduran airline, SAHSA, until the collapse of the latter in 1992.

May his soul rest in peace.

Very much aware of the friendship between Sotillo and you, Amado, please accept my sincerest condolences on the passing away of your friend.

Through you, please convey these same condolences to his family and friends.

More than the national hero, your country has lost a good man, a gentleman in the truest meaning of the word.

May he rest in peace.

Respectfully,


Tulio

A salute to another great aviator gone west!


(Not my photo, but fitting)
RIP

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