From the National WWII Glider Pilot Association
We sadly announce the death of Cowden Ward, owner and pilot of P-51 Mustang called "Pecos BIll". Many of us veterans first met Cowden through Scott Glover. It is a great story: Scott was on his way in his C-47 to come to our reunion. He was taking off when Scott saw Cowden in his P-51 and asked Cowden where he was going. Cowden told him he was headed to an air race. Cowden asked where Scott where he was going and Scott said, "I'm on my way to the National WWII Glider Pilots Reunion to give rides to WWII Veterans." Without hesitation Cowden said, "I'm on your tail." That began a relationship with Cowden and our veterans that has lasted from 2013 through 2018. Cowden has attended all our reunions, with "Pecos Bill" including our reunion in October. He has given hundreds of rides to our veterans. It was always about taking care of each of us. Many of those veterans have passed but they were so happy to have flown in that P-51. Many, if not all, at the age of 18 to 20 who first signed up for the USAAF wanted dreamed to fly fighters, me included. As a Troop Carrier organization it is obvious we did not get that choice. Cowden, however, gave us that gift. I remember at that first reunion, we all waited for that ride and it was no short ride so it took all day for the twelve of us to get a ride. As the day got later some of us worried that we would not get that ride, people were leaving to go to dinner. But Cowden would not let that happen and flew until each one of us had the flight of our dreams. Thank you Cowden.
Cowden died when his P-51 crashed in Fredericksburg, Texas on November 17, 2018. With him was a WWII Veteran who also died in the crash.
You will be missed, High Flight!
--Otto Lyons
National Chairman
National WWII Glider Pilot Association
Glider Pilot [15th TCS/61st TCG Market]