Friday, May 14, 2010
Retired Air Force Col. Walker M. “Bud” Mahurin, 91, who as a fighter pilot in World War II and the Korean War was credited with downing 24 enemy planes, making him one of the leading American aces of his generation, died May 11 at his home in Newport Beach, Calif. He had complications from a stroke.
A spokesman for the American Fighter Aces Association said Col. Mahurin shot down 24.25 planes over the course of his career (pilots are awarded a fraction of a kill if multiple fighters engaged the enemy). He downed 20.75 in World War II and 3.5 in Korea before he was captured by the enemy and endured 16 months as a prisoner of war.
More:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/05/13/AR2010051305116.html
By: 50sqnwop/ag - 15th May 2010 at 23:55
I was thinking about him just the other week aswell….. I always got the impression he was a good bloke from his photos, not as hard nosed as some of his fellow single seater chums……… any one know him personally?
Its a shame he got a rough deal after what happened to him in Korea, I always thought the yanks were more compassionate towards their combat bods than our own, but maybe not…?
RIP Sir
By: The Bump - 15th May 2010 at 23:24
Very sad new’s, one of the big names and personalities of the ‘Wolfpack’ …..don’t think I ever saw a photo of Bud when he wasnt smiling.
RIP
By: Al - 15th May 2010 at 07:15
Very sad to hear – a name I’ve known since I was a little kid…
RIP Bud
By: BlueNoser352 - 15th May 2010 at 05:36
One of Zemke Wolfpack !
Very sorry to,learn this…I meet Bud Mahurin on several occasions and he signed my print by Gil Cohen.. ” Return To Halesworth” Another of the great fighter pilots from the 56th Fighter Group. My condolences to his friends and family. He served his nation in war and peace very well !
A Salute from BlueNoser352!
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May 14, 2010 at 11:14 pm