1944: Maj. Thomas B. “Mickey” McGuire, Jr., Fifth Air Force, with gallantry and intrepidity over Luzon, Philippine Islands, volunteered to lead a P-38 fighter escort mission for bombers targeting a base for kamikaze operations on Luzon. Outnumbered 3 to 1 by the Japanese, he continued to fight after his guns jammed. He risked his own life to save a crippled bomber while downing several enemy aircraft. McGuire was killed in action on January 7, 1945, over Los Negros Island. He had scored 38 victories, second only to Maj. Richard I. Bong’s 40. (USAF Art Program)