Wings of Valor: Honoring America's Fighter Aces

A hero's action is always extraordinary because it is so contrary to the basic human instincts of self-preservation and survival. For the fighter Ace, it is often kill or be killed. The men whose images and stories are told in Wings of Valor reflect the courage and determination it takes to get no less than five "kills" in aerial combat and return from each mission alive. Some were shot down, captured and later returned home. These men distinguished themselves as Navy, Marines, U.S. Army Air Corps and Air Force pilots who had the courage to pursue their enemy with aggression, agility and precision. They have been recognized as elite and special. To fly in combat may seem exciting and noble, but it was also extremely dangerous and deadly. All fighter pilots, regardless of their personal victory tallies, are deserving of great respect and credit for what they endured. It is difficult to pinpoint the exact qualities that separate a good fighter pilot from a great fighter pilot. However, they consist of an indomitable inner spirit and a fierce determination to survive and succeed at any cost, with a measure of opportunity and luck added to the mix. Wings of Valor immortalizes 82 men for their incredible bravery and aerial heroics during World War II, Korea and Vietnam. It is the embodiment of the very term Ace. Their images and stories, collected on these pages, are as diverse as America itself. Today, these men will tell you that they are proud Americans who are caretakers of freedom. They have been to the edge and have lived to tell their story.