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I'm not sure where this should be posted -- maybe we should have a Dedication Board of some sort -- but I thought it more than fitting to mention the loss of another WW2 ace.

On the 20th of November, Norman "Bud" Fortier of Gilford, New Hampshire, autobiographer of "An Ace of the Eighth," passed on. He'd flown bomber escort in P47 and P51 planes during WW2 and also flew post-war supplies into Berlin during the Soviet blockade. He spent his remaining years in New Hampshire as a school teacher and principal until his retirement.

I have and have read his book.  It was a good read.  Its truely a sad loss  :'(, but its something that happens to all of us eventually.

I'm not sure where this should be posted -- maybe we should have a Dedication Board of some sort -- but I thought it more than fitting to mention the loss of another WW2 ace.

The History forum seems as good a place as any. I'm not one for these dedications myself but I know others feel differently.* It's now 60 years since the end of WWII so if anything this goes to show just how young most of these veterans were when they were doing whatever made them famous. Even more amazing is that there are still a few WWI veterans around.

*However, I was shocked to see Charlie's announcement that one of my own heroes Ray Hanna died a few days ago. http://www.ofmc.co.uk/
I don't know the details but he was fine when I last saw him at the Autumn Air Display at Duxford back in October where at the age of 77 he put on his usual immaculate display. This man is a legend among the display & Warbird community all over the world & he will be sadly missed. His love for flying was obvious & he continued to delight me & many others almost to the end. I had hoped to see him around for a few more years yet. There aren't many of my heroes left.

That is sad, but unfortunately it is inevitable.  At least he left us with his story.

Coincidently, I just finished "An Ace in the Eighth" a few days ago.  Highly recommended reading.

Jim