John F. Bolt
John F. Bolt | |
|---|---|
VMA-214 | |
| Battles/wars | World War II
|
| Awards | Navy Cross Distinguished Flying Cross (3) Air Medal (2) |
| Other work | Lawyer |
John Franklin Bolt (19 May 1921 – 8 September 2004) was a
Born to a poor family in
Bolt continued his service through the Korean War, entering combat through an exchange program with the
Bolt stayed in the Marine Corps until 1962, serving as an analyst and instructor in his later career, before retiring and earning a
Early years
John Bolt was born on 19 May 1921 in
In June 1939, Bolt began attending Seminole High School. Described as modest and hardworking by his high school classmates,[4] he was elected class president in his final two years in school.[4]
Bolt attended the
World War II
Bolt left for
Around this time, Bolt began dating Dorothy E. Wiggins, whom he knew from Sanford. The two married after two years of dating,[4] and they eventually had two children together, Robert and Barbara.[8] Years later, during the Korean War, Bolt had the words "Darling Dottie" stencilled on the side of his North American F-86 Sabre jet as a tribute to his wife.
After commissioning, Bolt was assigned as a cadet training instructor, training aviation cadets at
Formation of VMF-214
On his way to the front lines, Bolt traveled to a number of islands as the Rochambeau stopped at
On 14 September, the squadron began flying missions to escort
Marshall Islands
Bolt got his first victories of the deployment on 23 September when he was with a flight of 15 VMF-214 aircraft escorting B-24 Liberators back from a raid on Kahili. The bombers had been followed by 20 to 30 Zeros, and a dogfight quickly ensued.[13] During the course of the engagement over Bougainville, Bolt scored two victories.[14] His wingman, Ed Harper, also claimed a victory. For the next several weeks, the squadron operated out of Munda in the Solomon Islands.[12]
A self-described "workaholic"
Bolt became well known—but also drew the ire of his squadron's commanding officer—during what began as an escort mission for B-24 Liberators.
On 17 October, during a mission over Kahili Airfield, Bolt's squadron was ambushed by Japanese fighters. Bolt downed one of the Japanese aircraft in his last mission before a scheduled rest and recuperation (R&R) in Sydney, Australia.[18]
Vella Lavella
During the last war, the Corsairs would have to make running passes at the Japanese Zeros, being careful never to really tangle with them because the Zeros could turn on a dime. In Korea, the MiGs made the passes and we made the turns, especially at higher altitudes.
— Bolt reflecting on his World War II tactics in 1953.[8]
When the squadron returned from its R&R, Bolt had been promoted to captain and the squadron had been relocated to Vella Lavella. The new base was within 150 miles (240 km) of Rabaul, which was the center of Japanese activity on New Britain, and was the squadron's next primary target. Defended by 98,000 Japanese troops, the island was of great strategic importance as it had a harbor and several airfields and was within striking distance of the Marshall Islands, defended by 400 Japanese aircraft.[18]
On 23 December, 16 Corsairs from VMF-214 formed part of a force of 120 U.S. fighters and bombers that undertook a mission over Rabaul. The strike against the city and harbor areas was countered by a large force of Japanese aircraft. While defending the bombers, Bolt shot down two more Japanese aircraft, making him the squadron's sixth flying ace. Two days later, he took part in another mission during which his squadron mates claimed four victories, bringing VMF-214's tally of confirmed aerial victories to 76.[18]
On 3 January 1944, VMF-214 was among 75 U.S. aircraft raiding near Rabaul when they were surprised by 300 Japanese aircraft. Boyington was shot down and parachuted into the
Bolt's tour, along with the rest of VMF-214, came to an end on 8 January 1944, five days after Boyington was shot down and captured by the Japanese. VMF-214 was disbanded and its pilots assigned to other units.[22] In his time with VMF-214, Bolt developed a reputation among his peers as a leader and an accomplished pilot. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross twice, and scored a total of six confirmed victories and one probable victory and two aircraft damaged in his 92 missions with the squadron.[23]
Subsequent assignments
Bolt was reassigned to
Reassigned, Bolt flew to Hawaii, then to
Following the war, Bolt served in various units around El Toro. He was at various times assigned to
Korean War
In May 1950, Bolt was reassigned to
Fighter-bomber missions
In November 1952, Bolt transferred to squadron
At the 4th Wing, Bolt met with its commander,
Exchange and combat
It was about one Saturday evening when I added those last two. We hadn't seen anything of the MiGs in over 10 days—when all of a sudden I spotted four of them taking off from an air base on the other side of the Yalu. I nosed over and hit them just as they began to gain altitude. I fired four bursts and a MiG began to smoke. It rolled over and slipped into the ground. I made the second kill when this other dude drifted my way. Pulling nose-up, I closed to within 500 feet (150 m) and started firing up his tailpipe. I saw the pilot eject himself and the action was over. It took about 5 minutes for the whole show.
— Bolt reflecting on the 11 July 1953 engagement.[26]
Six weeks later, Bolt again turned down his R&R and joined the 39th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, flying the F-86 Sabre.
By May, McConnell was rotated back to the United States and Bolt was given charge of the flight; in 16 combat missions and 27 combat hours, his flight had never engaged any MiG fighters. This changed on 16 May, when the flight was attacked by a group of MiG fighters at 45,000 feet (14,000 m). He was quickly tailed by one of the aircraft, but managed to avoid its fire and tail another MiG himself. With several well placed shots, Bolt forced its pilot to bail out. Six days later on 22 May, MiG aircraft attacked again, and he managed to outmaneuver a fighter which had been attacking his wingman and shoot it down at 7,000 feet (2,100 m).[30] On 24 June, he flew his 31st combat mission, during which he engaged a single MiG and shot it down after a quick battle in the vicinity of the Yalu River.[30] A week later on 30 June, he was flying another mission in the same area when he spotted and quickly shot down another MiG. By the end of the month, he had credit for four victories and two aircraft "damaged".[26]
On 11 July, Bolt led another flight of four fighters in a reconnaissance mission above
Later Marine Corps career
Following his return from Korea, Bolt was assigned to the U.S. Navy
In 1957, Bolt was ordered to Marine Corps Base Quantico to attend a one-year course at the Senior School of Amphibious Warfare as part of a program which would later be incorporated into the accredited curriculum of the
Later life
To our fallen companions whose bones rest on the bottom of the sea in the Solomon Islands, cut down in the bloom of youth, denied the pleasures of life, which by chance, the rest of us have enjoyed. To
Gregory Boyington, the courageous, charismatic leader of our days of glory. To Frank Walton, who from our early days has not only been our Boswell, our biographer, in creating the Black Sheep legend, but by his own life has been friend, inspiration and role model to all. To Jim Reames our compassionate squadron doctor, whose medical treatment, Lejon brandy and cheerful good humor helped each of us to bear the stress of combat when death was a frequent visitor to our squadron. To our wives and ladies without whom life would have been a fruitless, cheerless existence without meaning. To each of us, once a proud, brave brotherhood in arms, today we are bound by our own actions in the Black Sheep legend as friends forever. Last to our beloved Marine Corps. We all knew when we put on the forest green uniform that it would ask us to put our lives at risk, which it did, and it would give us only pride and self respect, which it has.
— Bolt's toast at the VMF-214 50-year reunion in 1993.[34]
After retiring from the Marine Corps, Bolt, then 40 years old, began a new career in agriculture. He and his wife moved back to Sanford, Florida, where he worked for Chase & Co. He remained in that position for five years, until 1967.
After this stint as an instructor, Bolt and his wife moved to
Bolt subsequently lived a quiet life and kept frequent contact with his children. Robert became a lawyer in
Bolt died of acute leukemia in Tampa on 8 September 2004 after fleeing the approaching Hurricane Frances. At the time of his death, he was the last surviving of the seven Americans to become aces in both World War II and Korea. He was survived by his wife and children, as well as two grandchildren.[25]
Aerial victory credits
Bolt scored a total of 12 confirmed aerial victories during his career, with an additional "probable" victory and two aircraft damaged.[36] He was the only U.S. Marine Corps pilot to become an ace in the Korean War,[37] and remains the only U.S. Marine Corps pilot to be an ace in two wars.[36] Bolt was one of 1,297 World War II aces from the United States with six confirmed victories during that war. He later became one of 40 Korean War aces from the United States with six more confirmed victories during that war.[38]
Bolt is one of seven U.S. pilots who achieved ace status as both a piston-engined pilot in World War II and as a jet pilot in Korea. The others are all USAF pilots:
| Date | # | Type | Location | Aircraft flown | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23 September 1943 | 2 | A6M Zero |
Bougainville | F4U Corsair |
VMF-214
|
| 17 October 1943 | 1 | A6M Zero | Bougainville | F4U Corsair | VMF-214 |
| 23 December 1943 | 2 | A6M Zero | New Ireland | F4U Corsair | VMF-214 |
| 4 January 1944 | 1 | A6M Zero | Rabaul | F4U Corsair | VMF-214 |
| 16 May 1953 | 1 | MiG 15 | North Korea | F-86E Sabre |
39th FIS, 51st FIW |
| 22 June 1953 | 1 | MiG 15 | North Korea | F-86E Sabre | 39th FIS, 51st FIW |
| 24 June 1953 | 1 | MiG 15 | North Korea | F-86E Sabre | 39th FIS, 51st FIW |
| 30 June 1953 | 1 | MiG 15 | North Korea | F-86E Sabre | 39th FIS, 51st FIW |
| 11 July 1953 | 2 | MiG 15 | North Korea | F-86E Sabre | 39th FIS, 51st FIW |
| Source:[36] | |||||
Military awards
Bolt was decorated during World War II and the Korean War. His military decorations and awards include:[3]
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| Naval Aviator Badge | ||
| Navy Cross | ||
| Distinguished Flying Cross with two gold 5/16 inch stars |
Air Medal with one gold 5/16 inch star |
Combat Action Ribbon with one gold 5/16 inch star |
| Navy Presidential Unit Citation | Navy Unit Commendation | American Defense Service Medal |
| American Campaign Medal | campaign stars
|
World War II Victory Medal |
| Army of Occupation Medal with 'Japan' clasp |
National Defense Service Medal with one bronze service star |
Korean Service Medal with three bronze campaign stars |
Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation
|
United Nations Korea Medal
|
Korean War Service Medal[n 1] |
The Navy Cross is presented to John F. Bolt. (0-13522) Lt Colonel, U.S. Marine Corps for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the united Nations while attached to the
Republic of Koreaon 11 July 1953. Sighting four hostile jet interceptors immediately after the second section of his four-plane flight was forced to retire from the area because of a low fuel supply during a reconnaissance mission deep in enemy territory. Major Bolt quickly maneuvered his aircraft and that of his wingman into attack position and deliberately engaged the numerically superior enemy in a head-on firing run, destroying one of the hostile planes with his initial burst of fire. Although his fuel supply was dangerously low, he initiated repeated attacks on the remaining enemy aircraft and severely damaging the engine section of the lead interceptor, routinely pressed his attack against the crippled plane until the enemy pilot was forced to bail out. By his exceptional courage and superb airmanship in destroying the two aircraft, Major Bolt raised his total of enemy jet planes destroyed during the Korean War to six, thereby becoming the first jet ace in Marine Corps aviation. His inspiring leadership and great personal valor reflect the highest credit upon himself and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
For the President, /S/Secretary of the Navy.[31]
See also
- List of historically notable United States Marines
- List of Korean War flying aces
- List of World War II aces from the United States
- List of Navy Cross recipients for the Korean War
- United States Marine Corps Aviation
Citations
Notes
- ^ In 2000 this award was made retroactive to all U.S. military personnel who served in the Korean War.(Korean Service Medal, United States Navy, archived from the original on 23 January 2012, retrieved 9 December 2011
References
- ^ a b Walton 1986, p. 16
- ^ Dorr 2005, p. 161
- ^ a b Lorenz & Oliver 1999, p. 22
- ^ a b c d e f g h Lorenz & Oliver 1999, p. 11
- ^ Dorr 2005, pp. 164–165
- ^ Baron & Wise 2007, pp. 119–120
- ^ Astor 2005, p. 227
- ^ a b c d e f g h Lorenz & Oliver 1999, p. 21
- ^ Gamble 1998, p. 214
- ^ Lorenz & Oliver 1999, p. 12
- ^ Astor 2005, p. 228
- ^ a b Lorenz & Oliver 1999, p. 13
- ^ Gamble 1998, p. 249
- ^ Gamble 1998, p. 253
- ^ Walton 1986, p. 110
- ^ Walton 1986, p. 128
- ^ Gamble 1998, pp. 332–333
- ^ a b c d e Lorenz & Oliver 1999, p. 14
- ^ Gamble 1998, pp. 290–291
- ^ Astor 2005, pp. 233–234
- ^ Gamble 1998, p. 292
- ^ a b Lorenz & Oliver 1999, p. 15
- ^ a b c Lorenz & Oliver 1999, p. 16
- ^ a b c d Lorenz & Oliver 1999, p. 17
- ^ a b c d Schudel, Matt (12 September 2004). "Lt. Col. John F. Bolt Dies; Flying Ace in 2 Wars". The Washington Post. p. C10. Retrieved 20 March 2009.
- ^ a b c d e f Lorenz & Oliver 1999, p. 20
- ^ Dorr 2005, p. 156
- ^ Lorenz & Oliver 1999, p. 18
- ^ a b Werrell 2005, p. 191
- ^ a b Lorenz & Oliver 1999, p. 19
- ^ a b c Baron & Wise 2007, p. 117
- ^ Mersky 1983, p. 183
- ^ Mersky 1983, p. 185
- ^ a b Reed 2001, p. 197
- ^ a b Dorr 2005, p. 166
- ^ a b c Lorenz & Oliver 1999, p. 23
- ^ Mersky 1983, p. 150
- ^ Lorenz & Oliver 1999, p. 32
- ^ Lorenz & Oliver 1999, p. 1
Sources
This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Marine Corps.
- Astor, Gerald (2005), Semper Fi in the Sky – The Marine Air Battles of World War II, New York City: Random House, ISBN 978-0-89141-877-1
- Baron, Scott; Wise, James E. (2007), The Navy Cross: Extraordinary Heroism in Iraq, Afghanistan and Other Conflicts, Annapolis, Maryland: Naval Institute Press, ISBN 978-1-59114-945-3
- Dorr, Robert F. (2005), Marine Air – The History of the Flying Leathernecks in Words and Photos, London, United Kingdom: Penguin, ISBN 978-0-425-20725-3
- Gamble, Bruce (1998), The Black Sheep: The Definitive Account of Marine Fighting Squadron 214 in World War II, Novato, California: Presidio Press, ISBN 978-0-89141-825-2
- Lorenz, William E.; Oliver, Dwight L. (1999), The Inner Seven: The History of Seven Unique American Combat 'Aces' of World War II and Korea, Nashville, Tennessee: Turner Publishing Company, ISBN 978-1-56311-504-2
- Mersky, Peter B. (1983), U.S. Marine Corps Aviation – 1912 to the Present, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina: Nautical and Aviation Publishing Company of America, ISBN 978-0-933852-39-6
- Reed, Robert T. (2001), Lost Black Sheep: The Search for WWII Ace Chris Magee, Central Point, Oregon: Hellgate Press, ISBN 978-1-55571-549-6
- Walton, Frank (1986), Once They Were Eagles: The Men of the Black Sheep Squadron, Lexington, Kentucky: University Press of Kentucky, ISBN 978-0-8131-0875-9
- Werrell, Kenneth P. (2005), Sabres Over MiG Alley: The F-86 and the Battle for Air Superiority in Korea, Annapolis, Maryland: Naval Institute Press, ISBN 978-1-59114-933-0
