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The Last Great Ace

Awesometown

on Jan. 19, 2008

There has been alot of talk locally about Major Thomas McGuire, who died in a dogfight as a Army Air Corpman in World War II, and is the most decorated local hero this county has. For me the story hit close to home, and after reading about this man from my hometown, who went to the same high school as me, I knew what my comic was going to be about this week.

*McGUlRE, THOMAS B., JR. (Air Mission)

Rank and organization: Major, U.S. Army Air Corps, 13th Air Force. Place and date: Over Luzon, Philippine Islands, 2526 December 1944. Entered service at: Sebring, Fla.. Birth: Ridgewood, N.J. G.O. No.: 24, 7 March 1946. Citation: He fought with conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity over Luzon, Philippine Islands. Voluntarily, he led a squadron of 15 P-38's as top cover for heavy bombers striking Mabalacat Airdrome, where his formation was attacked by 20 aggressive Japanese fighters. In the ensuing action he repeatedly flew to the aid of embattled comrades, driving off enemy assaults while himself under attack and at times outnumbered 3 to 1, and even after his guns jammed, continuing the fight by forcing a hostile plane into his wingman's line of fire. Before he started back to his base he had shot down 3 Zeros. The next day he again volunteered to lead escort fighters on a mission to strongly defended Clark Field. During the resultant engagement he again exposed himself to attacks so that he might rescue a crippled bomber. In rapid succession he shot down 1 aircraft, parried the attack of 4 enemy fighters, 1 of which he shot down, single-handedly engaged 3 more Japanese, destroying 1, and then shot down still another, his 38th victory in aerial combat. On 7 January 1945, while leading a voluntary fighter sweep over Los Negros Island, he risked an extremely hazardous maneuver at low altitude in an attempt to save a fellow flyer from attack, crashed, and was reported missing in action. With gallant initiative, deep and unselfish concern for the safety of others, and heroic determination to destroy the enemy at all costs, Maj. McGuire set an inspiring example in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.

I don't know if he has any family still living in the area, but if he does I hope they know his story, and I hope they are proud of what he did. Just like I am proud of my grandfather who spent his time as a Marine of Iwo Jima making sure that guys like Maj. Thomas McGuire had a place to land.

Anyone interested in reading more amazing stories of some of the bravest men our country has produced should check out the Medal of Honor website, it truely is inspirational.

One last thing, I will be taking over the weekly adventures of Chiizu and Jamezorz at Dick & Fart Weekly starting this coming Wednesday. This will in no way interfere with my weekly updates on Local Look or my lack of updates on Awesometown, I assure you. But if you are looking for some 3 panel, black and white, action… look no further than Dick & Fart, so mark your calendars.