p51 Pilots Biographies, Last Name Starting With "D"
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Pilot Name Biography Summary
Ernest D. Davis, Sr. 1952 brought assignment to the 1738th Ferry Sq. in Long Beach, Calif. where he again flew P-47s delivering them to the Caribbean Island Nations and South America. He then flew F-86 and F-100 jets and was assigned as Det. Comm. at North American Aviation. During this period he delivered jet fighters across the North Atlantic on "High Flights" where, as Mission Commander for 10 missions, he received an Air Medal. Transferring in 1957 to Osan AFB Korea, he was an Operations Officer with the 311th Ftr. Sq. where he was awarded his Command Pilot Rating. Returning to Andrews AFB, he served until his retirement as a Major in 1963.
John De Brum Went to flying School Bishop, Calif. to get commercial pilot's license certificate #390850 July 1943. Went to work for Army Air Force Western Flying Training Command 8th A.A.F.T.B. Sequoia Field Visalia, Calif., as a primary flight instructor, in Ryan's, PT-22 and Stearman's PT-17.

Applied and went to Air Transport Command. Graduated Pilots Class 44-B Douglas, Arizona, F/0 Service Pilot, assigned to 556th A.A.F. Base Unit 6th Ferry Division Air Transport Command Long Beach, Calif. Army Air Base. Sent to Greenwood, Mississippi 590th A.A.F. Base Pursuit School, checked out in the following AT-6 - P-40 - P-63 - P-51 - P-47, during my Ferrying Mission accumulated 120 hours in the P-47, also checked out in the B-25 and AT-9.

Robert R. Deen Due to lack of fuel 93rd was detached to Gushkara, India and pilots from other two squadrons rotated through to maintain proficiency. During 20 months in CBI managed to acquire a grand total of two combat missions; both of which are still the lot of the interceptor pilot - early morning, not yet light, soup on the deck and up to just above assigned angels and "Bogey" identified as friendly just after wheels are in the well.

Only then we had no instrument training, a bare bones cockpit and no nav aids. Don't tell me Jug pilots knew no fear!

Wayne S. Dodds Mid 1944, Dodds transferred to Mediterranean Theater and assigned to the 57th Fighter Group, 66th Fighter Squadron. The 57th was committed to "Operation Strangle," cutting off of supplies to enemy forces in Italy. He flew 105 missions through VE Day destroying supply routes, ammunition depots, bridges, railroads, tunnels, close support attacks on tanks and artillery.

He was downed by 20 mm ground fire on the 54th mission and required 31 days to maneuver through enemy lines to friendly territory.

Urban L. Drew He flew 319 hours of combat in 76 missions with the "Yellowjackets" and received the Distinguished Flying Cross plus cluster and the Air Medal plus thirteen clusters, and the ETO Battle Ribbon with three battle stars. He was credited with the following victories. 6 - (Air) (3-Me-109's, 1-He.111, 2.Me-262's); 1 - (Air) (Me-109, damaged); 1 - (Ground) (Ju-52, destroyed); 1 - (Water) shared destroyed, only German BV-238 VI six engine flying Boat; 11 - Locomotives, destroyed; 7 - Locomotives, damaged; 4 - Barges, destroyed, water.
James Edward Duffy WWII FIGHTER ACE!
Jim Duffy joined Army Reserves in 1941, commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant after graduating from flight school at Moultrie Field, GA on Jan 14, 1943. He joined the 354FS/355th FG in spring, 1943 and sailed with group to England in July, 1943.
Clifford E. Dugan R.T.U. moved to Majors Field Greenville, Texas, P-47 training completed at this base.

Gunnery, Galveston, Texas. Assigned 377th Fighter Squadron, 362nd Fighter Group, Ninth Air Force. During combat flew two escort missions, the rest being close support for Patton's Third Army. The usual dive bombing, rockets, and strafing of airports, trains, and any other targets the controllers found for us or we found for ourselves

William D. Dunbar (Billy) One of my most memorable flying experiences was the mission of 23 Dec. 44 near Kobleny Germany. A group of Martin B-26's were jumped by thirty odd FW-190's and Me-l09's. Our squadron was on a recce mission and we happened along at the right time. Three B-26's were hit and going down when we entered the fight........
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