User:Reguyla\Ben Drew

Urban Leonard "Ben" Drew (21 March 1924 in Detroit - 3 April 2013) was a American Major in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. Officer of the USAAF born March 21, 1924 in Detroit, Michigan Urban Drew joined the Army Reserve and begins training piloting in October 1942. He made ​​his first solo flight after only 6 h 20 instruction. He qualified as a pilot with the rank of Lieutenant on October 1, 1943 to Mariana Field, Florida. He was then posted in a replacement unit in Bartow. Noted for his driving skills, he was invited to continue his training to become an instructor on P-51. It is then no older than 18 years. June 12, 1944, he was assigned to the 375th Fighter Squadron / 361st Fighter Group with 590 hours of flying experience including 247 initial training. He finished his tour of duty November 16, 1944 after winning six victories in aerial combat and destroy a ground unit. He is the first American pilot to have shot down two Me 262 during one and the same mission. It carries a total of 76 attractions. Back in the US, he was assigned to the 413th Fighter Squadron / 414th Fighter Group on May 14, 1945 and served with that unit until the end of the war but did not win again successful. He receives 2 DFC and 14 Air Medals for his work in Europe. After the war, he joined the Michigan National Guard and participated in the creation of the 127th Fighter Group where he became deputy commander. In April 1949, he left the National Guard and moved to Britain, where he founded his airline. It also flies in South Africa. He will fly later in many part of the world, participating in the delivery of Israeli citizens to their new country. Then he will fly to Cambodia and Vietnam for private companies, realizing many flights which all were not very legal. He will receive the Air Force Cross in 1984.

Awards

 * Pilot Badge
 * Air Force Cross in 1984 as Major in the 375th Fighter Squadron, 361st Fighter Group, 8th Air Force
 * Distinguished Flying Cross with oak leaf cluster
 * Air Medal with 17 oak leaf clusters
 * American Campaign Medal
 * Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal
 * European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 4 Service stars
 * World War II Victory Medal
 * National Defense Service Medal
 * Air Force Longevity Service Award