Re: American Aces Died in 2008
 

I regret to report that Robert Barkey of the 325th FG, an ace, passed on 30 May 2008. Bob flew both the Thunderbolt and Mustang with victories in each aircraft. He was a fine pilot and man whom we all will miss.

Cordially, Art Fiedler

Re: American Aces Died in 2008
 

1/Lt Liles was shot down by flak defending the airfield in Kleacany, near Prague, Czechoslovakia, on March 3, 1945 while strafing it with other pilots of the 55th FG. His fellow 1/Lt Howes landed to try to pick him up but they failed and were - being wounded - later captured.
Regards, Filip

Re: American Aces Died in 2008
 

TRULUCK John Hinds Jr, 7, June 20, 2008, Walterboro, South Carolina

RIP

Frank.

Re: American Aces Died in 2008
 

GERICK, Steven, 5, July 11, 2008, Sun City, Arizona (?)

DeHAVEN, Robert Marshall, 14, July 11, 2008, Los Angeles area, California (?)

The deaths are confirmed, but I am waiting for obituaries to verify the place of death.

RIP, gentlemen.

Frank.

Re: American Aces Died in 2008
 

Revi magazine published a nice article about Bob DeHaven just in last issue. RIP.

Michal

Re: American Aces Died in 2008
 

WANG Kuang-Fu, 8.5 (6.5 documented), July 8, 2008, Plano, Texas

ROSS, Herbert Erskine, 7, July 20, 2008, Stockton, California

TORDOFF, Harrison Bruce, 5, July 24, 2008, St Paul, Minnesota

HAYES, Thomas Lloyd Jr, 8.5, July 24, 2008, Reston, Virginia

RIP.

Wang is not really an American ace, being born in China, and serving in the Chinese Air Force in World War 2. However, all his victories were claimed while in the Chinese-American Composite Wing, so I have included him as serving directly beside Americans. He lived in the United States since the mid-50s.

Frank.

Re: American Aces Died in 2008
 

Frank,

sorry to hear Tommy Hayes died. I had a great time with him during the 357th FG Reunion back in Long Beach in 1993. Really a great guy.

RIP

John.

Re: American Aces Died in 2008
 

Frank,

In "Stars and Bars" you state that Wang Kuang-fu "retired from the Chinese Air Force in May, 1964." Yet above you indicate that he moved to the US in the mid-50s. Can you clarify his post war career?

Thanks.
Tom

Re: American Aces Died in 2008
 

Tom,

It comes from working in a hurry, from memory. I haven't dug up my sources, but Stars and Bars is correct.

Frank.

Re: American Aces Died in 2008
 

WATKINS, James Albert, 12, August 18, 2008, Arlington, Texas

RIP.

Frank.