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Landers, John Dave

    Date of birth:
    June 23rd, 1920 (Rexroat/Oklahoma, United States of America)
    Date of death:
    September 12th, 1989 (Hood/Texas, United States of America)
    Nationality:
    American

    Biography

    John Landers attended flight school at the Ryan School of Aeronautics in San Diego, California and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the USAAF and received his wings on 12th December 1941 - just two days after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbour.
    Landers served with the 49th Pursuit Group, 9th Fighter Squadron in the Pacific Theatre, achieving 6 credited victories against the Japanese. He evaded capture in December 1942 after being shot down and bailing out of his fighter plane near Dobodura, New Guinea.
    After a period as a flight instructor in the United States, he joined the 55th Fighter Group.
    Landers finished the war with 14.5 victories, plus 20 ground victories.
    After retirement he worked in civilian construction

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    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)

    Second Silver Star awarded as a bronze oak leaf for on the ribbon of the first Silver Star.
    Silver Star Medal (SSM)
    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)
    Awarded on:
    September 1944
    Awarded For bravery and agressive leadership in combat, and two kills.

    Third Silver Star awarded as second oak leaf cluster on the ribbon of the first Silver Star.
    Silver Star Medal (SSM)
    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)

    Second DFC awarded as a bronze oak leaf for on the ribbon of the first DFC.
    Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
    Period:
    Second World War (1939-1945)

    Third DFC awarded as second bronze oak leaf for on the ribbon of the first DFC.
    Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

    Sources

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