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