David Thwaites (flying ace)

David Franklin Thwaites (September 8, 1921 – December 15, 2015) was a fighter pilot and flying ace of the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. He became an ace piloting the P-47 Thunderbolt as a member of the 361st Fighter Squadron of the 356th Fighter Group. Thwaites, based out of RAF Martlesham Heath in England, was the second highest scoring pilot in his squadron with six confirmed victories,[1] and the only pilot of the 356th FG to score all of his victories while serving with the group. He scored his victories using three different P-47s, however, he nicknamed them all Polly.[2] Following the completion of his tour in September 1944, he returned to the United States and became an instructor.[3]

David F. Thwaites
Nickname(s)Frank
Born(1921-09-08)September 8, 1921
Conshohocken, Pennsylvania
DiedDecember 15, 2015(2015-12-15) (aged 94)
Annapolis, Maryland
AllegianceUnited States
Service/branchUnited States Army Air Forces
United States Air Force
Years of service1939–1965
RankLieutenant Colonel
Battles/warsWorld War II
AwardsDistinguished Flying Cross (3)
Air Medal (4)

Following the surrender of Germany, Thwaites was stationed in Germany and on August 19, 1946, while a member of the 396th Fighter Squadron/368th Fighter Group, his P-47 Thunderbolt was involved in an aerial collision in the vicinity of Borkum.[4]

See also

Notes
  1. "American Aces of WWII". acesofww2.com. Retrieved 2017-11-05.
  2. Scutts (1998), p.95
  3. O'Leary (2000), p.139
  4. "P-47 Thunderbolt Serial 44-XXXXX". Republic P-47 THUNDERBOLT (in French). Retrieved 2006-12-21.

References

Bibliography
  • O'Leary, Michael (2000). VIII Fighter Command at War - Long Reach. Osprey Publishing. ISBN 1-85532-907-7.
  • Scutts, Jerry (1998). P-47 Thunderbolt Aces of the Eighth Air Force. Osprey Publishing. ISBN 1-85532-729-5.

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