Missourian James H. Howard got separated from his fighter group and, all alone, attacked a German flight of thirty planes.  He shot down six. He had earlier recorded six kills while serving with the “Flying Tigers” in Asia. He was therefore the first ace in both of those theaters of operation.  Howard was given the Congressional Medal of Honor.

This post was contributed by Ross Malone. A historian and a retired school teacher, Ross has authored many books about Missouri’s history, weird facts, and folk tales. He has also written children’s historical fiction. Visit his website, and buy his books in the Missouri Life store.