Oscar F. Perdomo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Oscar Francis Perdomo
|
|
|---|---|
Lieutenant Oscar F. Perdomo c. 1945
|
|
| Born | June 14, 1919 El Paso, Texas |
| Died | March 2, 1976 (aged 56) Los Angeles, California |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
United States Army Air Forces United States Air Force |
| Years of service | 1942–1958 |
| Rank | Major |
| Unit | 464th Fighter Squadron |
| Battles/wars | World War II Korean War |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Cross Air Medal (2) |
Oscar Francis Perdomo was an important United States Air Force officer and fighter pilot. He was born on June 14, 1919, and passed away on March 2, 1976. He is known for being the last "ace in a day" for the United States during World War II. This means he shot down five enemy airplanes in a single day.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Perdomo was born in El Paso, Texas. He was one of five children. His parents had moved to the United States from Mexico. His father had even served in the Mexican Revolution before coming to the U.S.
Military Training and Service
In February 1943, Perdomo joined an Army Air Forces (AAF) Pilot School. These schools were civilian flying schools that helped train many pilots during World War II. Perdomo earned his pilot's "wings" on January 7, 1944.
After that, he went for more training in California. He learned to fly the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt. This was a powerful fighter plane. Once his training was complete, he joined the 464th Fighter Squadron. This squadron was sent to the Pacific theater of the war. They were stationed on the island of Ie Shima, near Okinawa. Their main job was to protect Boeing B-29 bombers.
The 507th Fighter Group, which included Perdomo's squadron, began flying missions on July 1, 1945. Perdomo flew a P-47N-2-RE plane. He named his airplane Lil Meaties Meat Chopper. The name was a tribute to his first son, Kenneth, who was a baby at the time. Perdomo flew his first combat mission on July 2, escorting a B-29 bomber.
Becoming an Ace in a Day
A "flying ace" is a military pilot who has shot down five or more enemy aircraft in air battles. An "ace in a day" is even more special. This title is given to a pilot who shoots down five or more enemy planes in just one day. Many pilots have earned this honor since World War I. Oscar Francis Perdomo was the last American "Ace in a Day" in World War II.
Perdomo was a first lieutenant and had flown ten combat missions. This was on August 9, 1945, when the United States dropped the second atomic bomb on Nagasaki, Japan. The war was still going on as the Allies waited for Japan to surrender.
On August 13, 1945, Lt. Perdomo had an amazing day. He shot down four Japanese Nakajima "Oscar" fighters. He also shot down one Yokosuka "Willow" Type 93 biplane trainer. These "Oscars" were actually Ki-84 "Franks" from Japanese fighter units. This battle happened near Keijo / Seoul, Korea. Thirty-eight Thunderbolts from Perdomo's group fought against about 50 enemy aircraft.
This was Perdomo's last combat mission. His five confirmed victories made him an "Ace in a Day." This gave him the special honor of being the last American "Ace" of World War II. For his bravery, he received the Distinguished Service Cross. He also earned the Air Medal with one leaf cluster.
After World War II
After the war ended, Perdomo continued to serve in the Army Air Forces. In 1947, he joined the newly formed United States Air Force. He served until January 1950. When he left active duty, he joined the Air Force Reserve.
However, on June 30, 1950, Perdomo was called back to active duty. This happened when the Korean War began. He was now a captain. He continued to serve in the Air Force until January 30, 1958. He left the military with the rank of major.
Later Years and Legacy
Major Perdomo faced a very difficult time later in his life. His son, SPC4 Kris Mitchell Perdomo, was tragically killed on May 5, 1970. His son was aboard a U.S. Army helicopter that crashed in South Vietnam. This loss deeply affected Major Perdomo. He struggled with this sadness. Major Oscar F. Perdomo passed away on March 2, 1976, in Los Angeles. His name is honored at the United States Air Force Memorial.
Military Decorations and Awards
Major Oscar F. Perdomo received many military honors. These include:
 |
|||
  |
|||
 |
 |
  |
|
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
|
| USAF Command pilot badge | |||||||||||
| Distinguished Service Cross | Air Medal with bronze oak leaf cluster |
||||||||||
| Air Force Presidential Unit Citation | American Campaign Medal | Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with three bronze campaign stars |
|||||||||
| World War II Victory Medal | Army of Occupation Medal with 'Japan' clasp |
National Defense Service Medal | |||||||||
| Air Force Longevity Service Award with two bronze oak leaf clusters |
Armed Forces Reserve Medal with bronze hourglass device |
Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon | |||||||||
See also
- Hispanic Americans in World War II
- List of World War II aces from United States
- Hispanics in the United States Air Force
