Major Thomas Buchanan McGuire Jr.

Major Thomas served as a major in the United States Army. He lost his life while in action during World War II. He was and still is considered to be one of the most decorated fighter pilots in the United States. He was also the country’s second-highest scoring ace of the second world war.

He became a revered figure after his death. Fort Dix Army Air Force Base in New Jersey’s Burlington County was renamed McGuire Air Force Base back in 1948. He was bestowed with the Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Service Cross, and three Silver Stars.

In addition to that, Major Thomas also earned the Distinguish Flying Cross six times, the Purple Heart three times, and the Air Medal fifteen times. He served the army from 1941 to 1945 before his death at the age of 24.