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Post-WW2 Military and Naval Aviation Please use this forum to discuss Military and Naval Aviation after the Second World War.

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Old 12th March 2018, 10:48
Edward L. Hsiao Edward L. Hsiao is offline
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Post Alexander Gillis, USMC

Gentlemen,

Need information of USMC military career of Alexander Gillis,a Korean War fighter pilot who shot down three MiGs during a three-month tour in Korea. I believe Gillis was a three war veteran of WWII,the Korean War,and Vietnam War. What were his decorations he had won? What was his highest rank before he retired?


Sincerely,

Edward L. Hsiao
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Old 23rd March 2018, 00:50
Edward L. Hsiao Edward L. Hsiao is offline
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Re: Alexander Gillis, USMC

Gentlemen,

Any information yet about this US Marine fighter pilot?

Edward L. Hsiao
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Old 20th May 2018, 11:20
keith A keith A is offline
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Re: Alexander Gillis, USMC

He later commanded VMA-225 as a Lieutenant Colonel, flying A-4 Oct1963-Mar 1964

regards

Keith
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Old 18th May 2019, 22:45
keith A keith A is offline
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Re: Alexander Gillis, USMC

I note that this pilot claimed two Migs on 28 September 1952, but was shot down on the mission. Does anyone know how these were confirmed in the absence of camera gun film? I note that multiple kills on a mission where the claimant loses his own aircraft are very frequent, and usually unconfirmed by existing enemy records. It varies whether they are accepted by the air force of the claimant.

regards

Keith
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Old 20th May 2019, 01:46
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25Kingman49 25Kingman49 is offline
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Re: Alexander Gillis, USMC

Lt Col Alexander James "Rocky" Gillis, Jr. Findagrave memorial

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/...r-james-gillis

See

https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/204017

https://www.usmcu.edu/Portals/218/Co...9000319800.pdf

https://www.marines.mil/Portals/59/P...00308000_1.pdf

https://www.dpaa.mil/portals/85/Docu...orwald_all.pdf

https://books.google.com/books?id=as...0pilot&f=false

With fold3.com access WW II Selective Service Registration card here

https://www.fold3.com/image/540573499
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Old 21st May 2019, 14:09
Stig Jarlevik Stig Jarlevik is offline
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Re: Alexander Gillis, USMC

Quote:
Originally Posted by keith A View Post
I note that this pilot claimed two Migs on 28 September 1952, but was shot down on the mission. Does anyone know how these were confirmed in the absence of camera gun film? I note that multiple kills on a mission where the claimant loses his own aircraft are very frequent, and usually unconfirmed by existing enemy records. It varies whether they are accepted by the air force of the claimant.

regards

Keith
Since Gillis flew two different missions on the 28th and claimed his first at 10.05H and the second at 15.15H, at least his first claim should have been visible on a gun camera film. Since he did not return from the second mission someone else must have made the claim for him.

We also know that both sides overclaimed during the Korean conflict and today with a lot of hindsight it is possible to compare information from both sides. However that makes no difference, since a confirmed claim is just that.
No Air Force/Navy in the world would go back and change any records simply because we know it is wrong.

Cheers
Stig
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Old 9th June 2022, 10:13
Edward L. Hsiao Edward L. Hsiao is offline
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Re: Alexander Gillis, USMC

Thank you for your reply. So it was confirmed that Alexander J. Gillis flew in three wars. WWII,Korean War,and Vietnam War.

Edward L. Hsiao
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Old 10th June 2022, 09:36
keith A keith A is offline
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Re: Alexander Gillis, USMC

It does. He may have flown as a pilot in WW2 but there's no mention of him serving in combat in WW2. He may have entered the AvCad program in 1942 but did he qualify as a military pilot? I am beginning to think that he had did not progress to a combat squadron, perhaps as an instructor? To be a Major in 1952 would argue lengthy USMC service and regular promotion but there's no mention of war service anywhere in a combat unit.
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