Wayne Dodds enlisted as an Aviation Cadet after Pearl Harbor. In 1943, he received his wings and commission following his s graduation for Class 43-1 in Mission, Texas. He flew P-39s and P-40s with the Panama Canal Defense Forces. In mid 1944 he was assigned to the Mediterranean Theatre flying P-47s. he flew 105 missions in WWII. On his 54th mission he was shot down and required31 days to maneuver through enemy territory to friendly forces. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart and Air medal with six oak leaf clusters. He was a charter member of the San Diego Silver Wings Club. He edited historical books on the P-47 and the 57th Fighter Wing.