The legends of the air from World War II have one fewer name on their rapidly dwindling rolls.
Retired Marine Brig. Gen. Bruce J. Matheson, who lived in Kailua, died on Thursday from a combination of lung cancer and a heart attack, his family said. He was 87.
When he was sent to the South Pacific in 1943, Matheson was the youngest member of the famed "Black Sheep" squadron under the command of Maj. Greg Boyington — who was later awarded the Medal of Honor, and whose exploits inspired the 1970s TV show "Baa Baa Black Sheep."
On Oct. 17, 1943, Matheson shot down a Japanese Zero in the Solomon Islands. He was hit with shrapnel in his legs but was able to land his damaged F4U Corsair.
By the end of his second Black Sheep tour, Matheson had three confirmed kills and one-and-a-half "probable" kills, his family said. Matheson also confirmed Boyington's final aerial victory before Boyington was shot down.
The Black Sheep brought down 97 Japanese aircraft — 95 of which were fighters — and received a Presidential Unit Citation, said the Marine pilot's son, Scott Matheson.
Out of 51 in the squadron, only 10 are still alive, Scott Matheson said.
It's a similar story for other famous units of World War II.
