Jack A. Bade

World War II In December 1942, following the completion of advanced fighter training, Bade was assigned as a P-40 Warhawk pilot with the 44th Fighter Squadron of the 18th Fighter Group in Solomon Islands. The 18th FG was part of the AirSols, which was a combined, joint command of Allied air units in the Solomon Islands campaign of the war. On February 4, 1943, he scored his first aerial victory. On February 13, while taking part in the escort of Navy and Marine Corps bombers attacking enemy shipping near Shortland-Kahili area, he shot down a A6M Zero that was attempting to attack the bomber formation. However, he was quickly attacked by four Zeros, resulting in damage to his P-40 including the guns being jammed and Bade himself suffering a head injury. Bade's actions resulted in the Zeros running low on fuel and returning to the base, hence preventing them from chasing the SBDs. For his heroism in the mission, Bade was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.

After his recovery and promotion to first lieutenant, Bade continued to fly more missions. On June 7 and 16, 1943, he shot down his third and fourth enemy aircraft. On June 30, while protecting Allied ships near Rendova Island, he shot down a Nakajima E8N "Dave" floatplane, his fifth aerial victory and earned the title of flying ace.

During the war, Bade was credited in destroying five enemy aircraft and one probable while flying a total of 85 missions and 210 hours. His exploits were featured in True Comics and Heroic Comics.

After his discharge from the military, Bade worked as a civilian test pilot with Republic Aviation. In 1949, while flying a F-84 Thunderjet, he survived a crash by bailing out at . In 1956 and 1962, he was featured in the advertisements of Camel cigarettes and Chase Manhattan Bank.

Awards and decorations

United States Army Air Forces pilot badge Distinguished Service CrossDistinguished Flying CrossPurple HeartAir Medalwith one silver and three bronze oak leaf clustersand one gold star American Campaign MedalAsiatic-Pacific Campaign Medalwith four bronze campaign starsWorld War II Victory Medal

Distinguished Service Cross citation

Bade, Jack A. Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army Air Forces 44th Fighter Squadron, 18th Fighter Group, Thirteenth Air Force Date of Action: February 13, 1943

Citation:

Aerial victory credits