Alex Vraciu, USN Ace (1 Viewer)

[lancer]

Alex Vraciu, a USN ace credited with 19 aerial victories and another 21 on the ground, has passed away at the age of 96. Vraciu flew F6F Hellcats and was a winner of the Navy Cross for his actions. His most famous exploit was the shooting down of 6 Japanese aircraft in one mission on June 19, 1944 during the Battle of the Philippine Sea, aka., the Great Marianas Turkey Shoot. Later, in December, 1944, he was shot down by ground fire over Luzon and parachuted to escape his damaged plane. He was rescued by Philippine guerrillas and spent 5 weeks with them before being able to make his way back to American forces. US Naval aviation has lost a giant. RIP. -- Al

 

[ivanmoe]

Sorry to hear of Vraciu's death.

While memories of his smile may have faded over the decades, I suspect that interest in his exploits and "White 19" will long outlive his passing.

-Moe

 

[Terp152]

Thanks for making this announcement Al and Moe for the great pic. I salute the passing of a hero. Chris