1. Thomas McGuire was one of the most decorated American fighter pilots and the second-highest scoring American ace of the war.
23 Facts About Thomas McGuire
1. 2.
Thomas McGuire was born in Ridgewood, New Jersey, on August 1,1920.
3.
Thomas McGuire left after his third year to enter the US Army Air Corps Aviation Cadet Program on July 12,1941.
4.
Thomas McGuire would become one of the top scoring combat pilots in US Air Force history.
5.
Visitors recalled Thomas McGuire ordering Lindbergh around, telling him to run errands as though he were a servant.
6.
Thomas McGuire reported to the flying school in Corsicana, Texas, as an aviation cadet.
7.
Thomas McGuire received further training in San Antonio, and was commissioned a second lieutenant and awarded his pilot wings at Kelly Field, Texas, on February 2,1942.
8.
In March 1943, Thomas McGuire was sent to the Southwest Pacific as a member of the 9th Fighter Squadron, 49th Fighter Group, Fifth Air Force, based in New Guinea.
9.
From 12,000 to 5,000 feet Thomas McGuire struggled to free himself from the stricken fighter.
10.
Finally Thomas McGuire was able to free himself and deploy his parachute at 1,000 feet.
11.
Thomas McGuire landed safely in the water and was rescued by a PT boat.
12.
Thomas McGuire suffered a 7.7 millimetres bullet wound to his wrist and numerous other injuries including some broken ribs.
13.
Thomas McGuire spent six weeks in the hospital before he returned to his unit.
14.
In early May 1944, Thomas McGuire became the commanding officer of the 431st Fighter Squadron.
15.
Thomas McGuire wrote a book, Combat Tactics In The Southwest Pacific Area, for Fifth Air Force on 4 May 1944.
16.
Thomas McGuire desperately wanted to pass Bong's score of 40 kills.
17.
Thomas McGuire and his flight had encountered Warrant Officer Akira Sugimoto, who was an instructor pilot with some 3,000+ hours in type.
18.
Thomas McGuire eased up on his turn rate in an effort to draw the attacker off of his wingman and onto himself.
19.
Thomas McGuire's crash was witnessed by Filipinos who immediately rushed to the scene and secured his body so it would not be captured.
20.
Thomas McGuire was buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery on May 17,1950.
21.
Thomas McGuire was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor due to sacrificing himself with his dangerous turn that ended up saving his wingman's life.
22.
Thomas McGuire fought with conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity over Luzon, Philippine Islands.
23.
Thomas McGuire set an inspiring example in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.