WWII Aviation

In 2002 while attending the National Rifle Association Convention I was invited to sit down an talk with then, Joe Foss Brigadier General (Air National Guard). During WWII, Major Joe Foss was credited with shooting down 26 Japanese planes and was considered the "Ace of Aces". I had a interesting conversation with one of the WWII War Hero's, Medal Of Honor & Distinguished Flying Cross recipient, who later became the Governor of South Dakota, Former American Football League Commissioner, NRA President and many other accomplishments in his lifetime. As I was getting ready to leave, he said wait a minute, & he took these three aviation prints out of his briefcase, autographed his, and said I hope you enjoy these. The following January Ge. Joe Foss passed away. A great gift I have always treasured. The other two are of Chuck Yeager's plane and Bud Anderson's plane (they are 14-3/4" x 11").
In addition to the Medal of Honor and Distinguished Flying Cross, his decorations and medals include: the Presidential Unit Citation, American-Defense Service Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with three bronze stars, and the World War II Victory Medal.
Medal of Honor Citation
Rank and organization: Captain, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, Marine Fighting Squadron 121, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. Place and date: Over Guadalcanal, 9 October to 19 November 1942, 15 and 23 January 1943. Entered service at: South Dakota. Born: 17 April 1915, Sioux Falls, S. Dakota.
For outstanding heroism and courage above and beyond the call of duty as executive officer of Marine Fighting Squadron 121, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, at Guadalcanal. Engaging in almost daily combat with the enemy from 9 October to 19 November 1942, Capt. Foss personally shot down 23 Japanese planes and damaged others so severely that their destruction was extremely probable. In addition, during this period, he successfully led a large number of escort missions, skillfully covering reconnaissance, bombing, and photographic planes as well as surface craft. On 15 January 1943, he added 3 more enemy planes to his already brilliant successes for a record of aerial combat achievement unsurpassed in this war. Boldly searching out an approaching enemy force on 25 January, Capt. Foss led his 8 F-4F Marine planes and 4 Army P-38s into action and, undaunted by tremendously superior numbers, intercepted and struck with such force that 4 Japanese fighters were shot down and the bombers were turned back without releasing a single bomb. His remarkable flying skill, inspiring leadership, and indomitable fighting spirit were distinctive factors in the defense of strategic American positions on Guadalcanal.

(from wikipedia):

JOE FOSS
VMF-121 USMC
GRUMMAN F4F-4 WILDCAT
F4F Wildcat
Medal of Honor recipient Joe Foss
Birth name Joseph Jacob Foss
Nickname(s) "Smokey Joe", "Old Joe", "Ace of Aces"
Born April 17, 1915
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Died January 1, 2003 (aged 87)
Scottsdale, Arizona
Buried at Arlington National Cemetery
Allegiance United States of America
Service/branch United States Marine Corps
South Dakota Air National Guard
Years of service 1940–1946 (USMCR)
1946–1955 (ANG)
Rank Major (USMC)
Brigadier General (ANG)
Unit VMF-121
VMF-115
Battles/wars World War II
*Battle of Guadalcanal
Awards Medal of Honor
Distinguished Flying Cross
Spouse(s) June Shakstad (divorced)
Donna "Didi" Wild
Other work Governor of South Dakota
American Football League Commissioner
National Rifle Association President
Television broadcaster
Author
Entrepreneur
Spokesperson

CHUCK YEAGER
363rd FIGHTER SQUADRON, 357th FIGHTER GROUP
NORTH AMERICAN P-51D MUSTANG
Birth name Charles Elwood Yeager
Nickname(s) Chuck
Born February 13, 1923 (age 92)
Myra, West Virginia, U.S.
Allegiance United States
Service/branch United States Army Air Forces
United States Air Force
Years of service 1941–1975 (34 years)
Rank Brigadier General
Battles/wars World War II
Cold War
Vietnam War
Awards See below
Spouse(s) Glennis Dickhouse (1945-1990; 4 children)(her death)
Victoria Scott D'Angelo (2003-present)
Relations Steve Yeager (nephew)
Other work Flight instructor
Signature
Website http://www.chuckyeager.com

BUD ANDERSON
362nd FIGHTER SQUADRON, 357th FIGHTER GROUP
NORTH AMERICAN P-51D MUSTANG
Nickname(s) Bud Anderson
Born January 13, 1922 (age 93)
Oakland, California
Allegiance United States of America
Service/branch United States Air Force
United States Army Air Corps
Years of service 1942–1972
Rank Colonel
Unit 357th Fighter Group
Commands held 355th Tactical Fighter Wing
Battles/wars World War II
Vietnam War
Awards Legion of Merit (2)
Distinguished Flying Cross (5)
Bronze Star
Air Medal (16)
Other work Test pilot

Thanks for looking,
Dave