Mostrando postagens com marcador Retired Cmdr. Dean "Diz" Laird. Mostrar todas as postagens
Mostrando postagens com marcador Retired Cmdr. Dean "Diz" Laird. Mostrar todas as postagens

terça-feira, 12 de julho de 2016

Legendary ace flies his 100th aircraft above the "birthplace of naval aviation"

At 91, Dean "Diz" Laird is still tall, sharp and confident. — Photo by Sean M. Haffey
By Wording OD

A 95-year-old, 29 1/2-year veteran famous for being the single-known ace to achieve victories against both German and Japanese aircraft during WWII and later becoming a stunt pilot for 20th Century Fox film "Tora Tora Tora" in 1969, flew his 100th aircraft above "the birthplace of naval aviation," July 9.
Retired Cmdr. Dean "Diz" Laird served in WWII, Korea and Vietnam, operated in 175 combat and training missions, served on 12 different carriers, flew in the Navy's first jet squadron, was the first person to land a jet-powered aircraft aboard USS Midway and has the most arrested landings on a straight-deck carrier.
"I want to thank everyone who took part in making this happen," said Laird. "When I found out that I was going to be able to do this, I was shocked. I couldn't believe it."
Laird added that flying his 100th plane wasn't for an achievement, medal or trophy. He wanted to set this milestone for himself.