Gillespie Field - San Diego, CA

November 1944 - Kurt Knispel, commanding a King Tiger Tank (Black 334) of the 503rd Heavy Panzer Battalion, entered Budapest, Hungary, as part of Germany’s desperate effort to hold the city against the encircling Red Army. Armed with the powerful 88mm cannon, the King Tiger was crucial in countering Soviet forces aiming to seize control of the Danube River. Knispel, credited with nearly 200 tank kills, was renowned for his tactical brilliance and long-range precision. Despite his unmatched achievements, his independent nature and rejection of political ideology kept him from receiving Germany’s highest military honor. Though the battle ended in retreat, Knispel’s skill and courage left a lasting mark in armored warfare.

On February 19, 1944, Ira "Ike" Kepford of VF-17 downed a Japanese Rufe fighter near Cape Siar, marking the start of a harrowing solo battle against 20 enemy Zekes that tested his skill and resolve. Despite overwhelming odds, Kepford returned victorious, adding three kills to his tally and cementing his place as one of the Pacific's most daring aces.

19 August 1943 - B-17F 41-29595 TADLUR (Through Danger Let Us Ride), piloted by Lt. A.L. Nelson with Bombardier Lt. Thomas F. Morris, flew with the 20th Bomb Squadron, 2nd Bomb Group, on Mission 57 to Foggia, Italy. The crew carried out a precise and highly effective bombing run on the transformer station and marshalling yards, a critical target for disrupting enemy logistics. On the return flight, the 20th Bomb Squadron, endured a ferocious attack from Luftwaffe fighters, with TADLUR shooting down two aircraft and likely destroying a third. Despite sustaining damage and heavy losses within the formation, TADLUR successfully navigated the onslaught and returned safely to base.