In November 1942, when the U.S Marines' battle for the strategic island of Guadalcanal seemed in doubt after a bruising defeat by the Japanese navy, a group of Marine fighter pilots kept the enemy from gaining air superiority over the area. The Marine aviators were led by a rough and tumble, cigar crewing South Dakota 27-year old farm "boy" (from Sioux Falls no less) named Joe Foss. The flying Marines, using all their obsolescent but heavier armed Wildcats could throw at the more nimble and faster but less armored Zeros, managed to shoot down over 70 Japanese planes during that time and Foss was credited with a third of them. He was awarded the CMH in 1943.
After the war, Foss went on to start the SD Air National Guard, be a 2-term governor of SD, and be the commissioner for the American Football League along with non-profit organizations to help make America a better place. A salute to you, Joe, on the observation of what would be your 100th birthday!!
KELOLAND.com | Native Son's Century
Joe Foss - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
P.S. The old Foss farm land is within about a 5+ minute drive of where I live
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