William P. Driscoll
William Patrick Driscoll | |
---|---|
United States of America | |
Service/ | United States Navy |
Years of service | 1968–1982 |
Rank | Commander |
Unit | VF-96 VF-124 |
Battles/wars | Vietnam War |
Awards | Navy Cross Silver Star (2) Purple Heart Air Medal (10) |
William Patrick "Willy Irish" Driscoll[1] (born March 5, 1947) is a retired commander in the United States Navy and a highly decorated flying ace.
Driscoll, a
Driscoll received the service's second-highest decoration, the Navy Cross, for his role in a 1972 dogfight with North Vietnamese MiGs.
Early life and education
Driscoll was born March 5, 1947, and received a
In 1968, Driscoll graduated from
Cunningham and Driscoll made their first two kills on separate missions. Their third, fourth, and fifth kills occurred during a single day: May 10, 1972. The engagement became one of the most celebrated aerial dogfights in the war. After they bombed their intended ground target, they engaged 16 MiG interceptors that converged on a bomber convoy of
During the war, Driscoll was promoted to lieutenant. Besides the Navy Cross, he was awarded two Silver Stars,[1] a Purple Heart,[1] and ten Air Medals.[1] He was also nominated for the Medal of Honor.[1][4] He flew 170 combat missions in total and accumulated over 3,300 flying hours in jet aircraft and 500 carrier landings.[5]
Driscoll later became an instructor at the U.S. Naval Fighter Weapons School (
He has remained an air combat consultant at TOPGUN, and has spoken to all 107 graduating TOPGUN classes.[5]
Post-military career
Driscoll works in real estate in San Diego,[2] though he continues to serve as a consultant and public speaker focusing on military aviation issues.
References
- ^ a b c d e f "Commander William "Willy" Driscoll". Gathering of Eagles Foundation. Retrieved 29 November 2015.
- ^ a b Perry, Tony (24 November 2001). "Taking Flight With Ace Advice". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 29 November 2015.
- ISBN 978-1780962283. Retrieved 29 November 2015.
- ^ "INTERVIEW WITH LIEUTENANT WILLIAM DRISCOLL, UNITED STATES NAVY" (PDF). SDSU Library & Information Access. San Diego State University. Retrieved 29 November 2015.
- ^ a b [1], WillyDriscoll.com, accessed 30 November 2018