American Aces Died in 2009 and 2010 - Luftwaffe and Allied Air Forces Discussion Forum

Frank Olynyk · #1 6th January 2010, 09:26

GORDON, Donald. 5. January 4, 2010. Solana Beach (?), California.

So long, Flash.

RIP.

Frank.

Frank Olynyk · #2 13th January 2010, 15:24

STARCK, Walter Edwin. 7. January 7, 2010. Berlin, Maryland.

Rest in Peace.

Frank.

A note to the Donald Gordon entry above (which I can't edit): he died in La Jolla, California.

FJO.

Frank Olynyk · #3 22nd January 2010, 10:29

LOISEL, John Simon. 11. January 20, 2010. Plano, Texas (?).

Rest in Peace.

Frank.

Frank Olynyk · #4 30th January 2010, 05:30

PIERCE, Sammy Alpmeus. 7. January 9, 2010. Ayden, North Carolina.

Rest in Peace.

Frank.

Frank Olynyk · #5 30th January 2010, 05:37

ARCHER, Lee Andrew. 4. January 27, 2010. Manhatten, New York City, New York.

Rest in Peace.

Despite what is said in numerous articles, books, and now obituaries, Lee was not an ace. The problem stems from Charles Francis' book on the Tuskeegee Airmen (the first published, I believe) in which he listed five victories for him. The "extra" victory is on July 20, 1944, and is due to Francis' misreading of a very unofficial hand-written victory list for the 332nd FG. In actuallity, Lee did not fly on the 20th according to his Form 5 for July (list of missions flown, an official AF record, which is on microfilm at the Military Personnel Records Center in St Louis).

Frank.
Historian, American Fighter Aces Association.

Frank Olynyk · #6 13th March 2010, 10:30

BILLO, James Donald. 3.25. March 7, 2010, Gold Beach, Oregon.

Rest in Peace.

Frank.

Jim claimed three Zekes on Nov 11, 1943; squadron records credit him with two. He also claimed full credit for the Betty, which squadron records show as shared with Crosby, Watts and Crawford. He is credited with an additional victory on Oct 26, 1942.

Frank Olynyk · #7 21st March 2010, 12:11

WALKER, Jack Greenaway. 4. March 8, 2010. Riverside, California.

Jack Walker is credited by the Air Force with 4 victories. Some years ago (more than five; I would have to dig in my (unfiled) files to be sure) the Victory Credit Board of the American Fighter Aces Association approved the change of a probable victory to a confirmed, making him an ace. This change has not be accepted by the USAF.

Rest in Peace.

Frank.

John Beaman · #8 22nd March 2010, 13:43

Hi Frank:

I know the Victory Credit Board is not an "official" agent of the USAF, but for some reason I thought the USAF accepted their changes or findings. Is this not so? Have there been other cases such as Greenaway's?

Thanks for all you hard work keeping up with everything "American Ace" !

Frank Olynyk · #9 22nd March 2010, 13:57

John,
USAF most definitly does not accept the findings of the AFAA VCB. They have their own Board for the Correction of Military Records (or similar title). The AFAA VCB has approved between 5 and 10 new aces since it came into existance. I will have to dig in my files to get all the names; they aren't limited to USA(A)F. Tonight hopefully.

Frank.

Tom Semenza · #10 23rd March 2010, 03:03

Also, Frank, can let us know which of Walker's probables was upgraded? That would be interesting to learn.

Thanks,
Tom