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En-Route
With a truly heavy heart I have to report the loss of another Ace today.
Joel was born on Dec. 7, 1922. He enlisted in 1942 and got into pilot training. He did his primary training in PT-17s, basic in BT-13s, and advanced in AT-6s. Shortly after graduation he checked out in P-39s and P-40s. He was slated to go to Alaska, but got switched to Hawaii at the last minute. He flew P-40s there before moving on to New Guinea. There he joined the 49th Fighter Group, 7th Squadron. He got 5 confirmed in New Guinea, Zeke 52s and Oscars.
He checked out in P-38s but soon after came down with Hepatitis and ended up in the infirmary for many weeks. When he discovered they were going to ship him home, he snuck out and hopped a DC-3 to the Philippines where he rejoined his squadron. Right in the middle of the Battle of Leyte Gulf. During his time in the Philippines he got four more confirmed flying the P-38 “Georgia Belle”. An additional 6 probables should be added to his total score.
While in the SW Pacific Area he flew with Dick Bong and underwent training with Charles Lindbergh.
After the war he flew P-47s with the Air Guard prior to moving into jets. He flew F-100s in Vietnam. In the 1970s, Georgia governor Jimmy Carter selected him as Georgia’s Adjutant General.
Good flying, General!
Joel was born on Dec. 7, 1922. He enlisted in 1942 and got into pilot training. He did his primary training in PT-17s, basic in BT-13s, and advanced in AT-6s. Shortly after graduation he checked out in P-39s and P-40s. He was slated to go to Alaska, but got switched to Hawaii at the last minute. He flew P-40s there before moving on to New Guinea. There he joined the 49th Fighter Group, 7th Squadron. He got 5 confirmed in New Guinea, Zeke 52s and Oscars.
He checked out in P-38s but soon after came down with Hepatitis and ended up in the infirmary for many weeks. When he discovered they were going to ship him home, he snuck out and hopped a DC-3 to the Philippines where he rejoined his squadron. Right in the middle of the Battle of Leyte Gulf. During his time in the Philippines he got four more confirmed flying the P-38 “Georgia Belle”. An additional 6 probables should be added to his total score.
While in the SW Pacific Area he flew with Dick Bong and underwent training with Charles Lindbergh.
After the war he flew P-47s with the Air Guard prior to moving into jets. He flew F-100s in Vietnam. In the 1970s, Georgia governor Jimmy Carter selected him as Georgia’s Adjutant General.
Good flying, General!