OK Bill,
History class is in session. Pencils down and eyes forward.
Quote:
Jack, I might believe there really was a pilot named "Hairy Thing", but not in elegant stylish fighters like Spitfire and F-86. He sounds more like a Marine, probably a Corsair or Wildcat jock. Wonder what his nose art was?
A little respect is in order it's Harry.
First wartime CO of the 309th FS 31st FG took the sqd to England and flew Spit Vs and while in the UK claimed 1 JU-88 probably destroyed and 2 FW-190 has damaged the second being over Dieppe. After the 31st went to N. Africa Thyng claimed a French D520, 3 ME-109s and 1 FW-190 confirmed.
In Aug 1945 has CO of the 413th FG flying P-47Ns he claimed a Oscar has probably destroyed.
During the Korean War he commanded the 4th FIW and was credited with 5 MIGs destroyed and 4 damaged to become 1 of 6 American aces in both WWII & Korean. He is also famous for making claimed over German, French, Japanese & Chinese aircraft during his career. He received 3 Silvers Stars, Legion of Merit, 3 DFCs, 23 Air Medals, Purple Heart & Croix de Guerre. He retired has a B/G and founded and served has president of Daniel Webster College in New Hampshire.
So endeth the lesson.
Claims
Spitfire 5-2-3
P-47N 0-1-0
F-86 5-0-4
Total 10-3-7