Richard G. Candelaria

Richard G. Candelaria (July 14, 1922 – August 30, 2024) was an American flying ace in the 479th Fighter Group during World War II, who was credited with six aerial victories, including an Me 262.

Early life Candelaria was born in El Paso, Texas on July 14, 1922. The only child in his family, Candelaria was seven years old when his father died. His maternal grandmother, two aunts and an uncle then moved to Southern California to live with the family, where they lived comfortably during the Great Depression.

After graduating from Theodore Roosevelt High School in Fresno in February 1939, Candelaria passed preliminary entrance exams for the Air Force flying program. He began his seven-month studies at the University of Southern California to meet the two-year college requirement within the U.S. Army Air Corps. During this time, he maintained his interest in aviation by working part time at Miller Dial & Instrument, a company that produced instrument dials for aircraft.

World War II

In May 1944, Candelaria registered to be assigned in combat operations. After completing P-51 Mustang transition training, he was assigned with the 435th Fighter Squadron of the 479th Fighter Group in England in September 1944. Based at RAF Wattisham, he flew P-38 Lightnings and P-51 Mustangs in bomber escort missions.

His biggest day came on April 7, 1945. Candelaria was taxiing for takeoff as a leader of his section when he got a call from the control tower informing him that his rear tire was flat. The ground crew quickly appeared to put on a new one, but by the time he got airborne the rest of the flight element had departed earlier to rendezvous with the B-24s.

Just after his encounter with the Me 262s ended, Candelaria noticed several Messerschmitt Bf 109s attempting to attack the B-24s. He radioed his squadron for aid and shot down the lead Bf 109. Candelaria went after the remaining German fighters and shot down three more of them before the rest of his squadron finally arrived, resulting in the remaining Bf 109s to retreat.

Post war Candelaria left active duty on May 1, 1946, and served in the Air Force Reserve until joining the California Air National Guard (CA ANG) on April 27, 1950. He served in a variety of command and staff positions over the next ten years, including commanding 8195th Replacement Training Squadron at Van Nuys Air National Guard Base from February 1955 to June 1957. He transferred to the Air Force Reserve on October 20, 1960, and retired on June 15, 1964, at the rank of colonel.

Candelaria died on August 30, 2024, at the age of 102.

Aerial victory credits SOURCES: Air Force Historical Study 85: USAF Credits for the Destruction of Enemy Aircraft, World War II

Awards and decorations His awards include:

Silver Star citation

For gallantry in action while escorting heavy bombers over Germany, 7 April 1945. When adverse weather caused Captain Candelaria to become separated from his Squadron, he continued on alone to rendezvous with the bombers. Observing two (2) ME-262 jets attacking the formation, he intercepted and dispersed them, probably destroying one (1) of the fighters. Still alone, and completely ignoring the odds and personal danger, Captain Candelaria attacked approximately fifteen (15) hostile fighters. Selecting the lead plane for his initial target, he shot it down in flames and then gallantly engaged the remaining aircraft until assistance arrived. Captain Candelaria's courage, tenacity of purpose, and determination to destroy the enemy at any cost are borne out by the fact that during this action he shot down four (4) ME-109's, thus preventing serious damage being inflicted on the bombers.