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THE LAST GREAT ACE

THE LAST GREAT ACE

THE STORY OF A FORGOTTEN HERO.

This story had to be written! One of America's most decorated soldiers remains unknown fifty years after he died saving the life of his wingman. He was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor and 30 other medals. They named McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey, for him but nobody knows Tommy McGuire. If you like flying and adventure, you will love this story.

A STORY I'VE KNOWN SINCE I WAS A CHILD

I knew Tommy McGuire when I was a child - we were both raised in Sebring, Florida. We graduated from the same high school. I spent over 25 years researching this story, but couldn't get the book published. Now it is a 384 page, softcover book with 50 pictures. The introduction to the book is written by Major General Franklin Nichols, USAF (Ret), who was McGuire's Commanding Officer in the 431st Fighter Squadron, a squadron McGuire later commanded. Part of the 475th Fighter Group, the 431st was one of the most effective fighter squadrons of World War II. McGuire shot down 38 enemy planes to be ranked as America's number two ace of all times, second only to his friend, Richard Bong, who shot down 40 planes.

MC GUIRE CAREER AND AWARDS

McGuire graduated from Sebring High School and attended Georgia Tech for three years. He was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity and Sergeant Major of the R.O.T.C. Cadet Corps.
He learned to fly at Corsicana, TX, Randolph Field, TX, and got his wings at Kelly Field, San Antonio, TX. He took fighter traning at Key Field, Miss., and Orlando Air Base, FL. He spent a winter flying a P-39 Aracobra, and living in a tent at Nome, Alaska, before coming home and marrying Marilynn Giesler at Fort Sam Houston, TX. He then spent two years flying a P-38 Lightning in New Guinea and the Philippines. He was awarded the CMH, Distinguished Service Cross, 3 Silver Stars, 6 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 15 Air Medals, 3 Purple Hearts and more.

Along the way McGuire befriended Charles A. Lindbergh who flew with the 431st Fighter Squadron and stayed in McGuire's tent for three weeks. This book contains a never-before-published letter from Lindbergh to McGuire's wife.
If you would like more information about THE LAST GREAT ACE write Charles Martin: LastGace@aol.com.

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