Pierce McKennon
Pierce Winningham "Mac" McKennon | |
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Croix de guerre (France) |
Pierce Winningham McKennon (November 30, 1919 – June 18, 1947) was an American flying ace of World War II with 12 aerial victories and 9.83 ground victories.[1]
Early life
Pierce McKennon was born in Clarksville, Johnson County, Arkansas, on November 30, 1919. He was a gifted musician and entered the University of Arkansas in 1938 but performed poorly and left a year later. He later returned to the university but never graduated.
World War II
McKennon entered the
He was assigned to the
After a promotion to
When the war ended, McKennon was credited with 12 aerial victories and 9.83 ground victories. This odd fraction is explained by the fact that McKennon shared one victory with another pilot (1/2 victory = .50) and another one with two other pilots (1/3 = .33).
Post war
McKennon stayed in Europe until April 1946, and returned to the United States to become a flight instructor. He married Beulah Irene Sawyer on May 13, 1946, and the couple had one son. McKennon and a student pilot were killed in a training accident on June 18, 1947, when their airplane,
near San Antonio.The Arkansas Aviation Historical Society inducted McKennon into the Arkansas Aviation Hall of Fame in 1985.[4]
Awards and decorations
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USAAF pilot badge
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oak leaf clusters
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Purple Heart |
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Air Medal with three silver and one bronze oak leaf clusters |
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American Defense Service Medal |
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American Campaign Medal |
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campaign stars
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World War II Victory Medal
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Army of Occupation Medal with 'Germany' clasp |
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Croix de Guerre with Palm (France)
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1939–1945 Star (United Kingdom) |
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War Medal 1939–1945 (United Kingdom) |
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Canadian Volunteer Service Medal |
Army Presidential Unit Citation
References
- ^ "Home / Browse / McKennon, Pierce Winningham "Mac" Pierce Winningham "Mac" McKennon (1919–1947)". Encyclopedia of Arkansas History & Culture. Central Arkansas Library System. Retrieved 2018-07-10.
- ^ United States Air Force (1978). "USAF Study 85, USAF credits for the destruction of enemy aircraft, World War II" (PDF). Defense Technical Information Center.
- ^ "June 1947 USAF Accident Reports". www.aviationarchaeology.com.
- ^ "Arkansas Aviation Historical Society Collection". Butler Center for Arkansas Studies.
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External links
- "Pierce Winningham McKennon". American Air Museum in Britain. Retrieved 2018-07-10.
- Gaëtan Marie. "Pierce McKennon's "Ridge Runner III"". Retrieved 2018-07-10.