[Shamrock]

Brendan 'Paddy' Finucane DSO, DFC + 2 Bars (October 16th 1920 - July 15th 1942). This Dublin born pilot was a Wing Commander at 21, scored over 32 victories, and was one of the highest scoring RAF aces of WW 2. He went from Pilot Officer to Wing Commander in under two years, a remarkable achievement even in wartime.

The unsung heroes IMHO are the ones who went out day after day, scared out of their wits (literally) against impossible odds. Whether they served in Fighter or Bomber Command, USAAF, or any of the Allied Air Forces they are the ones who often returned to boring and crap jobs in 'civie street' with just some service medals to show for their gallant efforts.

[SKUNKY]

You'll prob'ly need to change that to "defecationless", Shamrock......

[Shamrock]

PC or not to PC; that is the question!! As you know Skunkmeister I'm a huge fan of PC and I don't know how that rude word could have slipped through

[JustPlaneNuttz]

Originally Posted by Shamrock

The unsung heroes IMHO are the ones who went out day after day, scared shitless (literally) against impossible odds. Whether they served in Fighter or Bomber Command, USAAF, or any of the Allied Air Forces they are the ones who often returned to boring and crap jobs in 'civie street' with just some service medals to show for their gallant efforts.

I couldn't agree more. I feel personally am indebted to each and every one of them (including Cavs grandad!).

JPN

[jim]

Originally Posted by Cavtanker

Alas, he is not listed on official records for being an ace.

Cav, I didnt know the man I wish I had had the honour but his record speaks for itself, he has my full respect.

[Cavtanker]

Originally Posted by Shamrock

Brendan 'Paddy' Finucane DSO, DFC + 2 Bars (October 16th 1920 - July 15th 1942). This Dublin born pilot was a Wing Commander at 21, scored over 32 victories, and was one of the highest scoring RAF aces of WW 2. He went from Pilot Officer to Wing Commander in under two years, a remarkable achievement even in wartime.

The unsung heroes IMHO are the ones who went out day after day, scared shitless (literally) against impossible odds. Whether they served in Fighter or Bomber Command, USAAF, or any of the Allied Air Forces they are the ones who often returned to boring and crap jobs in 'civie street' with just some service medals to show for their gallant efforts.

And for many years, my grandfather was told 'it's being worked' with regards to a Silver Star for downing 2 Jap planes in one day. And he never got it. But, he was living on 'civie street' and didn't press the issue too hard. How would it help him in his privately-owned business? Impress customers?

[STARMAN 352ND]

Originally Posted by Shamrock

The unsung heroes IMHO are the ones who went out day after day, scared out of their wits (literally) against impossible odds. Whether they served in Fighter or Bomber Command, USAAF, or any of the Allied Air Forces they are the ones who often returned to boring and crap jobs in 'civie street' with just some service medals to show for their gallant efforts.

Originally Posted by JustPlaneNuttz

I couldn't agree more. I feel personally am indebted to each and every one of them (including Cavs grandad!).

JPN

I agree with both of you as well Shamrock & JPN..
JP

[Cavtanker]

Originally Posted by jim

Cav, I didnt know the man I wish I had had the honour but his record speaks for itself, he has my full respect.

He got credit for 2 probables for strafing what probably are (or were, for that matter) 2 Jap planes underneath camo netting. Since it was never fully known was underneath the netting, he only got 2 probables. I don't know anything about the third probable.

[Shamrock]

An RAF veteran I'm proud to call a friend did 33 missions as a rear gunner on Wellingtons, two operational tours on Spitfires and was then offered his old job again in the bank at the same money; this is after risking his life day after day for five years, losing a brother in the War. That is point I was making Cav. All the WW 2 veterans I know will only talk about their experiences if asked, and after a period of getting to know them well.

We owe them a huge debt for their sacrifices in giving us what we have.

[jim]

There are so many I could think of and all of them deserve a mention.

Every time I think of an answer another name pops into my head.

I think I would probably suggest one of the boys from the desert theatre of ops, not surprisingly a P40 pilot.

Perhaps Neville Shute or Caldwell, it was a tough life out there with no comforts just a dusty old tent.
Fighting against Me109s FW190s and Macs, and beating them.

How about a pilot called Ed Miluck an Eagle squadron member, he had a tough posting there.

But then again ol Bud Anderson sits very high on my list, a real tiger in battle but on the ground a just a modest genuine nice guy.
Then again I have spent the last few months reading up on the 357th and JP is correct about those guys Meyer and Preddy were outstanding.
I think I will have to pass on this one, I just cannot pick out one guy.