Flying Ace Archie Donahue Hand Signed 8X10 Biography Page JG Autographs COA

  
"Fighter Ace" Archie Donahue Hand Signed 8X10 Bio Page. This item is certified authentic by. And comes with their Letter of Authenticity. (October 24, 1917 - July 30, 2007) was a decorated American combat pilot and a. He shot down a total of 14 Japanese planes during the war, including five in a single day.

He studied engineering at the University of Texas before joining the. Donahue earned his wings three days before the.

Shortly after, he transferred to the Marine Corps. Marine Fighting Squadron 112 (VMF-112). While training other pilots in aerial gunnery, Donahue was nearly killed when the tail of his. Was sheared off in a midair collision over. Marine Corps Air Station El Toro.

Donahue bailed out almost immediately, but was underneath his plane and was afraid to deploy his parachute. He deployed his parachute 150 feet above the ground and sustained no injuries.

On November 2, 1942, Donahue's squadron joined the. Donahue scored his first aerial victory, a. Donahue quickly contracted malaria and was sent to. On May 13, 1943, Donahue's flight engaged in a one hour long dogfight west of.

As he was confirmed to have shot down four Zeros, and probably shot down a fifth. A fellow Marine verified the fifth kill, but Donahue was never credited for it.

Tragically, Donahue's wingman, Otto Seifert, was killed in the dogfight. Two days later, Donahue claimed two more victories, but was forced to make an emergency landing in the Russell Islands when his plane was hit by enemy fire. After landing, Donahue was forced to take cover when Japanese fighters started strafing him. Donahue scored nine aerial victories during the. In February of 1944, Donahue was assigned to the newly formed.

Marine Fighting Squadron 451 (VMF-451). At Marine Corps Air Station Mojave. The squadron was attached to the. Taking part in raids over mainland.

The squadron then participated in bombing missions on. Several Marines with the squadron were shot down and killed, and Donahue was made the executive officer.

Donahue finally earned the title of ace in a day, personally shooting down three. Off the coast of Okinawa. This feat made Donahue the first carrier-based Marine ace in a day. For his actions that day, and the award was personally presented to him by Vice Admiral.

And over 390 sailors and Marines were killed, including one pilot from VMF-451. Donahue survived the kamikaze attack unscathed, but the attack ended the war for his squadron.

He finished the war with 14 aerial victories to his credit. Besides his Navy Cross, Major Donahue was awarded three.