WWII Fighter Ace Perry Dahl, Known for Daring Pacific Missions, Dies at 10

At 101, Perry Dahl—one of the last surviving World War II American fighter aces—passed died on December 2, 2024. Dahl, a veteran aviator with 37 years of experience throughout the U.S. Army, Army Air Corps, U.S. Army Air Forces, and U.S. Air Force, made history with his audacious exploits in the Pacific theater.

Dahl, born on Feb. 18, 1923, in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, Canada, relocated with his family to Seattle and joined the Washington National Guard in 1940. He graduated with wings by 1943 and was flying Lockheed P-38 Lightnings. Dubbing his aircraft "Skidoo, Dahl was credited with multiple aerial victories—including Japanese Zeros and Oscars—during flights over New Guinea and the Philippines.

Dahl's battle career was distinguished by bravery and fortitude. His aircraft crashed mid-air with a wingman in November 1944 following the downing of an enemy plane close to Leyte. He escaped with the aid of Philippine Resistance fighters even though he was ejected and caught by Japanese troops. Dahl returned to fight and kept standing out. 

Dahl received a Silver Star for gallantry during a March 1945 mission when he intercepted twenty enemy aircraft to guard Allied aircraft.

Dahl stayed on military duty after the war, therefore helping to shape aviation history and motivating the next generations of pilots. His reputation as a courageous ace and committed serviceman is still strong.

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