Wilbur Jackson Thomas (October 29, 1920 – January 28, 1947) was an American combat pilot who was a United States Marine Corps fighter ace during World War II.[1][2] He flew a Vought F4U Corsair in Marine Fighting Squadron 213 (VMF-213) which was assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Essex (CV-9) and was one of the first Marine squadrons to augment carrier air groups.[3] Thomas was a triple ace with 18.5 aerial victories.[4][5] He was killed in January 1947 attempting to land a Grumman F7F Tigercat at the Marine Corps Air Station El Toro in California.[6] He was survived by his wife, Adele Kelley, who passed in 2022.
Wilbur Jackson Thomas | |
---|---|
Nickname(s) | Jack |
Born | El Dorado, Kansas | October 29, 1920
Died | January 28, 1947 Orange County, California | (aged 26)
Buried | |
Service/ | United States Marine Corps |
Years of service | 1942-1947 |
Rank | Captain |
Service number | 0-13630 |
Unit | VMF-213 |
Battles/wars | World War II * Philippines Campaign (1944–45) * Battle of Iwo Jima * Battle of Okinawa |
Awards | Navy Cross Distinguished Flying Cross |
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