This article relies largely or entirely on a single source. (June 2024) |
Richard Eugene Turner (April 8, 1920 – November 15, 1986) was a fighter pilot with the 9th Air Force in the European Theater during World War II and early in the Korean War. He became an ace during World War II, scoring 12 victories. He was named Commanding Officer of the 356th Fighter Squadron of the 354th Fighter Group in February 1944. He wrote of his experience in Mustang Pilot, first published in 1970.
Richard E. Turner | |
|---|---|
| Born | April 8, 1920 Cushing, Oklahoma |
| Died | November 15, 1986 (aged 66) |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service | United States Army Air Forces United States Air Force |
| Years of service | 1941–1953 |
| Rank | Lieutenant Colonel |
| Commands | 356th Fighter Squadron |
| Battles / wars | World War II Korean War |
| Awards | Silver Star Distinguished Flying Cross (2) Air Medal (13) |
In World War II Turner was awarded the following decorations: Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross with one oak leaf cluster, Air Medal with 12 oak leaf clusters, Croix de Guerre with Palm, EAME Ribbon with 4 Bronze Stars, and ATO Ribbon with one Bronze Star.[1]
References
edit- ^ Lands Plane on Principia Campus after Fouling Wires, Alton Evening Telegraph (Alton, Illinois) February 4, 1946, page 1, accessed April 21, 2017 at https://www.newspapers.com/clip/10430239/
Further reading
edit- Turner, Richard E. (1983) Big Friend, Little Friend: Memoirs of a World War II Fighter Pilot Mesa, AZ: Champlin Fighter Museum Press (ISBN 0-912173-00-9)
- Olynyk, Frank (1995) Stars & Bars: A Tribute to the American Fighter Ace, 1920–1973 London: Grub Street the Basement (ISBN 1-898697-17-5)
- Scutts, Jerry and Davey, Chris (1995) Mustang Aces of the Ninth and Fifteenth Air Forces and the RAF London: Osprey Publishing
- Hess, William N. and Ivie, Thomas G. (1992) "P-51 Mustang Aces" Osceola, WI: Motorbooks International
