Ken Jernstedt, who shot down or destroyed 10.5 Japanese planes from 1941-42. Yes, 10.5, because he and another pilot got half credits for blowing up a few on the ground.
I’m not completely sure, but I think he was the last Flying Tiger.
RIP, Ken.
Another chapter of WWII history closed…these guys are going fast! RIP and Ceiling Unlimited, pilot Jernstedt!
So passes another of the Legends.
Another piece of childhood gone.
This will also be the last year for the annual reunions of Doolittle’s Raiders, by mutual agreement of the four surviving ones, all in their 90’s.
Lazy bums.
'Scuse me, I got some dust or something in my eye.
R.I.P., Ken Jernstedt. You were part of Our Greatest Generation.
I attend church with a friend who flew the P-38 Lockheed Lightning during WWII. Ben Smith turned 95 earlier this year. He is a legend, to me anyway. Ben has been fading noticeably in the last year.
The last WWI veteran died 4 Feb 12. How many more years for the last WWII vet? (Thirty, at least, I should think…)