Major THOMAS B. MCGUIRE (August 1, 1920–January 7, 1945) was the second highest scoring US fighter pilot in WW2. He was killed in action during a dogfight with japanese pilots at Negros Island/Philippines.

US fighter ace Thomas B. McGuire

A Spitfire IX of a US fighter squadron crash-landed on the beaches of Salerno/Italy.

Forced landing

Major RICHARD BONG (September 24, 1920 – August 6, 1945) was the most successful fighter pilot of the US in WW2. He shot down at least 40 japanese aircrafts. On August 6, 1945 he died during an accidental plane crash while testing the P 80A &quot;Shooting Star&quot; near Burbank, California.