In Memoriam

 

Therefore, it has pleased an allwise Providence, to remove from among us, our much esteemed Friends and Brothers and soldiers. We will cherish the memory of our deceased friends and brother soldiers, whose memory is indelibly stamped, that time alone cannot erase, their memory is ever fresh in our minds. Though parted from among us yet again we hope to meet them where no farewell tear is shed.

 

 

 

 

David Lee “ Tex ” Hill

July 13, 1915 – October 11, 2007

 

 

“Shark One,” as David Lee “ Tex ” Hill was known for having been the first Commander of the famed 23rd Fighter Group in WWII, has flown west.  He was 92.

 

The 23rd, the first fighter group to be activated in the field of battle, was borne in 1942 out of the American Volunteer Group “Flying Tigers,” with which Tex first became an ace while fighting in China .   To have survived and thrived in those extreme circumstances, beginning prior to the United States ’ official declaration of war, is testament to Tex Hill’s piloting skill, warrior instinct, and personality. 

 

Tex Hill was truly a colorful character in every sense of the word - larger than life, outspoken, a leader by example yet often non-conformist, while seemingly a friend to all.  He was humble, honest, considerate, tenacious, funny and, without a doubt, a pure patriot among his many other positive attributes, which include being one heck of a pig hunter.

 

Serving today are thousands of fine young Americans wearing the uniforms of our armed forces.  Several of their units boldly, confidently and effectively carry the colors of “Shark One” and his fellow Flying Tigers into harm’s way, defending our nation and freedom.  Tex was as proud of these young men and women as if they were his own kin.  Those “tigers” that have come before, and those that will serve in the future, are at the pinnacle of the towering legacy Tex leaves us to now ponder and admire.  It is a legacy that the National Aviation Hall of Fame is honored to preserve and present for generations to come.

 

Our sincere condolences go to his wife, Mazie, and the Hill Family.  Godspeed David Lee “ Tex ” Hill.  We salute you and remember you.

The National Aviation Hall of Fame

 

Our Departed Squadron Brothers

Members of the 76th FS who have passed on during and after WW2. Names that are underlined will link to extended information and or memorials to that person.

Vincent P. Pojak
Gerhard Neuman
Joseph Semberger
Bruce K. Holloway
Wayne C. Dudgeon
William R. Johnston
George B. Ferris
Hugh D. Payne
William B. Evans
Francis E. Davern
Willis H. Wilson
Kenneth Westlund
Jesse Tegue
Robert Schaeffer
Lester Reeves
Willie R. Shive
Hugh Jenkins
Harold Lowery
Hoyle Clanton
Vincent P. Pojak
William R. Brokaw
Edward F. Rector
Alan Putnam
Al Baker

Richard F. Breder
Bob Serra
Charles Dubois, Jr.
Thomas Raleigh

Robert Calkins
Lonnie Crosby
William Niendorf
Wendell Stoneham
Leon C. Allen
Lewis Milbert Holcomb
Philips
G. Barnes
Houk
F. F. Policarpo
Bruce G. Boylan
Richard Johnson
Robert J. Raymond
James Brokaw
Howard L. Krippner
Morton Sher
Walter S. Butler
H. Leisses
Rex B. Shull
Ben Carter
Robert T. Colbert
Arthur Leo Chase
William Gregory
Richard "Buck" Templeton

Roy Young
Lindsay Hayes
Jim (Long Burst) Dumas
Charles debois

Robert Lovett
E. E. Smith
Patrick H. Daniels
Lee P. Manbeck
Paul J. Smith
Dik E. Edwards
Marks
H. Steinhaldt
Jerry F. Eisenman
McLennan
L. V. Teter
Henry R. Farris
H. C. Moore
H, P. Torango
Charles Griffith
A. J. Newsome
William Van Voresse
Hill
Headley
Edward E. Bell, Jr.
Willard H. Dahlberg
John Ray Armstrong
William A. Butler
General David Lee "Tex" Hill

William Watt
Max Noftsger
Vernon J. Kramer

We have prepared this list to forever memorialize the men and their sacrifice for the freedoms we all cherish. The people of the United States of America are eternally grateful. In an effort to be accurate, any corrections or additions can be reported to the 76th FSA webmaster and we will make the necessary changes.

 

Recently Departed

It is with sincerest regret that we report the death of Richard (Buck) Templeton, age 88. On February 21 in Colorado Springs, CO. Buck served with distinction in the 76th FS in China during WWII and later worked as an air traffic controller at Peterson Airfield. He will be remembered as a friendly happy person and enjoyed attending Flying Tiger Reunions.

Our sincerest condolences go out to his son Mike and daughter Teresa. Buck had four Grandchildren and one Great Grandchild. He will be greatly missed by his many friends.

 

 

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