American Aces Died in 2015
 

BECKER, Richard Samuel. 5. January 5, 2015, Oldsmar, Florida.

Rest in Peace.

Frank.

Re: American Aces Died in 2015
 

WELCH, Darrell Gail. 5. January 13, 2015, San Antonio, Texas.

Rest in Peace.

Frank.

Re: American Aces Died in 2015
 

VRACIU, Alexander. 19. January 29, 2015, West Sacramento, California.

This one really hurts.

Rest in Peace.

Frank.

Re: American Aces Died in 2015
 

KARR, Robert Adelbert. 6. January 17, 2015, Lancaster, California.

Rest in Peace.

Frank.

Re: American Aces Died in 2015
 

CLARK, Robert Allen. 5. January 21, 2015, Alexandria, Virginia (?).

Rest in Peace.

Frank.

Re: American Aces Died in 2015
 

RUDDELL, George Inkerman. 10.5. February 27, 2015, The Dalles, Oregon.

Rest in Peace.

Frank.

Re: American Aces Died in 2015
 

STRAIT, Donald Jackson. 13.5. March 29, 2015, Jackson Springs, North Carolina.

Rest in Peace.

Frank.

Re: American Aces Died in 2015
 

JEFFREY, Arthur Ferdinand. 14. April 18, 2015, Yakima, Washington.

Rest in Peace.

Frank.

Re: American Aces Died in 2015
 

I just saw that Alden Rigby passed away this morning. He was the last 352nd Fighter Group Ace, to my knowledge. He flew in the 487th Fighter Squadron and had five victories.

With Don Strait and Art Jeffrey, that is three 8th Air Force aces in less than a month that have passed on.

God Bless you gentlemen.

Mark Copeland

Re: American Aces Died in 2015
 

Mark,

Savannah, Georgia 2008. On the last day of that great re-union you arranged for us, I was talking with a retired Lt/Col or Full Bird Colonel in the foyer. A former B-17 pilot. Tall and slim and holder of the DFC I believe. Can you remember who that was and whether he is still with us?

We have had this conversation before and you told me who he was. Any guesses 3 years later?

David

Re: American Aces Died in 2015
 

Mark,
Sandy Moats is still alive as far as I know.

Where did you find mention of Alden Rigby's death? I can't find reference to it.

Enjoy!

Frank.

Re: American Aces Died in 2015
 

BERTELSON, Richard Lauren. 5. May 2, 2015, Chanhassen, Minnesota.

Rest in Peace.

Frank.

Re: American Aces Died in 2015
 

Hello Frank!!!

Great to hear from you buddy!! I saw it posted by his son on Facebook. I'm sure that it will be announced in the local paper soon.

Mark Copeland

Re: American Aces Died in 2015
 

Hello David!!!

Hope everything is going well. Glad that they named the new princess after your daughter!!!

Perhaps this would be best discussed as a Private Message. Can you drop me a note???

Mark

Re: American Aces Died in 2015
 

RIGBY, Alden Peter. 5. May 3, 2015, Bountiful, Utah.

Rest in Peace.

Frank.

Re: American Aces Died in 2015
 

Frank,

In your published works you have Rigby with 4.0 vics. One on Nov. 27, 1944, 2 plus 2 half shares on Jan. 1, 1945. Is there a fifth claim?

Regards,
Tom

Re: American Aces Died in 2015
 

I think Sanford Moats from the 352nd FG is still alive and well? He might be the last Blue Noser ace still with us.

Re: American Aces Died in 2015
 

FASH, Robert Paul. 6. June 14, 2015, Hawthorn Woods, Illinois.

Rest in Peace.

Frank.

Re: American Aces Died in 2015
 

McGRAW, Joseph Dennis. 5. July 24, 2015, Burlington, Washington.

Rest in Peace.

Frank.

Alden Rigby
 

Tom,
Some years ago Alden Rigby approached the American Fighter Aces Association to request that his two shares on January 1, 1945 be changed to full credit. The AFAA VCB did so. His attempts to get the USAF to make a similar change have failed. In reading his combat report for January 1, 1945, it is obvious to me that he did not in fact share those two victories. His combat report gives half credit to an unknown P-47 pilot in one case, and to an unknown P-51 pilot in the other. From his description, in both cases, I would conclude that both unknown pilots managed only minor damage to the corresponding German aircraft. In one case, from memory, he says that the American pilot got a hit, or hits, in the wing tip. None of the P-47 or P-51 claims at that airfield are for shared kills, or even for damage. I think in both cases, if Alden had claimed full credit for the destruction, with damaged credit to the unknown pilots, he would have been awarded full credit.

Unfortunately for Alden, the USAF takes the view that they are unwilling to change the credits that were claimed and awarded at that time.

Enjoy!

Frank.

Re: American Aces Died in 2015
 

Thanks for the clarification, Frank.

Cheers,
Tom

Re: American Aces Died in 2015
 

KIRKWOOD, Philip Leroy. 12. August 5, 2015, Seminole, Florida.

Rest in Peace.

Frank.

Re: American Aces Died in 2015
 

PAYNE, Frederick Rounsville. 5.5. August 6, 2015, Palm Desert, California.

Rest in Peace, Fritz. He turned 104 on July 31.

Frank.

Re: American Aces Died in 2015
 

MARSHALL, Winton Whittier. 6.5. September 19, 2015, Honolulu, Hawaii.

Korean War Ace.

Rest in Peace.

Frank.

Re: American Aces Died in 2015
 

OHR, Fred `F'. 6. September 6, 2015, Rockford, Illinois.

Rest in Peace.

Frank.

Re: American Aces Died in 2015
 

THWAITES, David Franklin. 6. December 15, 2015, (residence: Millersville, Maryland).

Rest in Peace.

Frank.