Clay_Allison
Staff Sergeant
- 1,154
- Dec 24, 2008
Tuskegee Ace Dies At 90 Years Old
- Thread starter Njaco
- Start date
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Clay_Allison
Staff Sergeant
- 1,154
- Dec 24, 2008
From Wiki FWIW:
A second kill on 18 July was never credited because it couldn't be confirmed. During the mission, Archer spotted a Bf-109. His flight lead, Wendell O. Pruitt — for whom he was acting as wingman — saw it, but did not pursue. Archer chose then to go after it. Another pilot, Freddie Hutchins, also spotted the plane, and turned to attack. After chasing it for some time, Archer fired and crippled the enemy aircraft. As it headed toward the ground, Hutchins, who'd almost pulled even with Archer, fired as well: "for the hell of it," according to Archer. Because the Army Air Corps received conflicting reports as to who had actually scored the kill, both Archer and Hutchins were officially awarded a half-kill, giving Archer 4½ official victories after the mission on 12 October.
A second kill on 18 July was never credited because it couldn't be confirmed. During the mission, Archer spotted a Bf-109. His flight lead, Wendell O. Pruitt — for whom he was acting as wingman — saw it, but did not pursue. Archer chose then to go after it. Another pilot, Freddie Hutchins, also spotted the plane, and turned to attack. After chasing it for some time, Archer fired and crippled the enemy aircraft. As it headed toward the ground, Hutchins, who'd almost pulled even with Archer, fired as well: "for the hell of it," according to Archer. Because the Army Air Corps received conflicting reports as to who had actually scored the kill, both Archer and Hutchins were officially awarded a half-kill, giving Archer 4½ official victories after the mission on 12 October.
FLYBOYJ
"THE GREAT GAZOO"
Saw his obit the other day. A hero and gentlemen.
For many years he was only creditied for 4 1/2 victories. I believe with some pressure from Bill Clinton he was offically awared the 1/2 credit that mede him offical an ace and the only African American ace of WW2. I don't think the American Fighter Aces Association ever recognized him, maybe Bill has some more info.
RIP Col Archer
For many years he was only creditied for 4 1/2 victories. I believe with some pressure from Bill Clinton he was offically awared the 1/2 credit that mede him offical an ace and the only African American ace of WW2. I don't think the American Fighter Aces Association ever recognized him, maybe Bill has some more info.
RIP Col Archer
Thorlifter
Captain
FLYBOYJ
"THE GREAT GAZOO"
I don't understand you or "bill".
I believe this thread is not about finding out who is ace or not, only respecting a deceased WW2 war veteran.
And the have not done anything to disrespect him either. If I recall they said these things as well:
Joe said:
Bill said:
If you are going to comment on one part, at least read all of their comments.
FLYBOYJ
"THE GREAT GAZOO"
AND MAYBE YOU DIDN'T READ THE FIRST SENTENCE OF MY POST!
"Saw his obit the other day. A hero and gentlemen."
Who died and left you incharge!!!!
Last edited:
ToughOmbre
Senior Master Sergeant
RIP
TO
TO
drgondog
Major
He has officially three credits for October 12, not 3 1/2. Pruitt has 2 credits not 2 1/2
pg 332 USAF Study 85 USAF Credits for Destruction of Enemy Aircraft.
The USAF and American Fighter Association and US Army Air Forces Victory Credits, World War II have Lee Archer with four credits.
Having said this, it in no way diminishes his career or service.
FLYBOYJ
"THE GREAT GAZOO"
Thanks Bill and agree - if some would pull their head out of their asses they would find there was no disrespect here - PERIOD!
ToughOmbre
Senior Master Sergeant
drgondog
Major
Timppa - the article was not well researched. Archer did not fly a mission on the 19th of July, following his July 18 score, and the 332nd lost escorted bombers multiple times.
IIRC the first EVER discussion of that myth was by General (then Colonel) Benjamin Davis Jr in a speech at Tuskeegee University in the mid 1950's and took a life of its own in the African American community.
If one would consider a.) bombers did not always make R/V on time at the right location, b.) ditto the Fighter Group, c.) the LW was extraordinarily skilled at massing fighters at the right location to exploit a weakly defended bomb wing, d.) there were many weakly defended bomb wings in the 15th AF (and less LW strength as well) in the MTO, and e.) the LW had some very skilled fighter pilots capable of making a pass from an altitude advantage and blow right through an excorting section or even an entire squadron.
The serious researcher probed the Mission Summaries and could easily determine which group was assigned and whether that bomb wing lost ships to fighters.
Now having said this the latest count I recall seeing is approximately 25 bomber - if true THAT number is impressive enough.
Anyway - I'm done commenting on this subject.
IIRC the first EVER discussion of that myth was by General (then Colonel) Benjamin Davis Jr in a speech at Tuskeegee University in the mid 1950's and took a life of its own in the African American community.
If one would consider a.) bombers did not always make R/V on time at the right location, b.) ditto the Fighter Group, c.) the LW was extraordinarily skilled at massing fighters at the right location to exploit a weakly defended bomb wing, d.) there were many weakly defended bomb wings in the 15th AF (and less LW strength as well) in the MTO, and e.) the LW had some very skilled fighter pilots capable of making a pass from an altitude advantage and blow right through an excorting section or even an entire squadron.
The serious researcher probed the Mission Summaries and could easily determine which group was assigned and whether that bomb wing lost ships to fighters.
Now having said this the latest count I recall seeing is approximately 25 bomber - if true THAT number is impressive enough.
Anyway - I'm done commenting on this subject.
Pong
Staff Sergeant
Regardless of just one kill short of ace status, hats off to you sir.
