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Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:
Mr. Frank D. Hurlbut

Born on 20 July 1922 in Park City, Utah, Frank Damon Hurlbut began his military career at age 17 in the Utah National Guard. In February 1942 he transferred to the Army Air Forces for flight training and graduated as a staff sergeant pilot at Luke Field, Arizona on 27 August 1942. After a stint in P-39s at Dale Mabrey Field, Florida, he was sent to England and was promoted to flight officer in December. Sent to North Africa as a replacement pilot, he transitioned into P-38s and was assigned to the 96th Fighter Squadron. 82nd Fighter Group, flying a P-38 named "Hell's Angels".
On his third mission on II April 1943, Hurlbut scored his first victory when his flight
intercepted 25 ju-52s evacuating key personnel from North Africa. He downed one but his aircraft was hit and he had to crash-land. On 20 May he destroyed a FW-190 and damaged an Me-109, and on 18 June, escorting B-25s to Sardinia, he shot
down an Me-109, followed by a Me-109 probable, and minutes later destroyed an Italian Re.2001.
Hurlbut became an ace on 10 July during the Sicilian invasion, downing three FW-l09s and damaging another. On 7 August, he claimed a FW-190 destroyed and an Me-109 damaged. He scored his last victory on 2 September, downing an Me-109 after a 75-mile chase. After 50 missions he returned to the States and instructed in P-38s and later in P-6ls at Van Nuys, California.
Hurlbut remained in the post-war Air Force, retiring as a lieutenant colonel in August 1964. Having received his college degree in 1955, he joined Eastman Kodak in Rochester, New York and spent four years as a senior technical engineer. He then moved to California where he became a business consultant and real estate broker.
Tally Record: 9 confirmed, one probable and 4 damaged
Decorations: Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with 17 Oak Leaf Clusters and the Presidential Unit Citation with one OLC