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Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:

At age 18, youngest Martin B-26 Marauder Pilot in world.
Flew 40 missions with 455th Bomb Squadron, 32nd Bomb Group, 9th Air Force. Youngest pilot in squadron and youngest man in my crew. 0n last
mission, attacked by 12+ German jet fighters (Me-262). 30mm shell explosion amputated my right leg and disabled my right engine. For
next hour I directed the co-pilot in keeping the plane flying and
gunners in defense against, two subsequent attacks by the jets. They
shot down two of the jets and possibly two more. Just before attempt-
ing a belly landing (one hour after initial attack) I flew the plane
in a 360° turn to allow the bombardier to exit the nose through the
co-pilot's position, thus saving his life. For this and the rest
I was recommended for the Medal of Honor, but received the Silver
Star instead. Retired following year at age 21.