Winter 2025 Militaria, Disney, & Collectibles
Lot 228:
Description
Frank D. Hurlbut (July 20, 1922-2017) began his military career at age 17 in the Utah National Guard. In February 1942 he transferred to the Army Air Forces for flight training and graduated as a staff sergeant pilot at Luke Field, Arizona on 27 August 1942. After a stint in P-39s at Dale Mabrey Field, Florida, he was sent to England and was promoted to flight officer in December. Sent to North Africa as a replacement pilot, he transitioned into P-38s and was assigned to the 96th Fighter Squadron, 82nd Fighter Group, flying a P-38 named "Hell’s Angels". On his third mission on II April 1943, Hurlbut scored his first victory when his flight intercepted 25 Ju-S2s evacuating key personnel from North Africa. He downed one but his aircraft was hit and he had to crash-land. On 20 May he destroyed a FW-190 and damaged a Me-109, and on 18 June, escorting B-25s to Sardinia, he shot down a Me-109, followed by a Me 109 probable, and minutes later destroyed an Italian Re.2001.Hurlbut became an ace on 10 July during the Sicilian invasion, downing three FW-l09s and damaging another. On 7 August, he claimed a FW-190 destroyed and a Me-109 damaged. He scored his last victory on 2 September, downing a Me-109 after a 75-mile chase. After 50 missions he returned to the States and instructed in P-38s and later in P-61s at Van Nuys, California. During World War II, he became an ACE, credited with shooting down 9 enemy aircraft in aerial combat. Hurlbut remained in the post-war Air Force, retiring as a lieutenant colonel in August 1964. WilliamJ. Dixie Sloan (January 1, 1921-January 30, 1999) During World War II Dixie Sloan became a DOUBLE ACE with a total of 12 victories. He was originally submitted and approved for award of the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions on this mission, but the award was never acted upon. In 1968 Sloan’s son contacted General Tooey Spaatz who had originally approved the DSC, and the former Air Force Commander requested that the record be corrected. In February 1969 Sloan was awarded the Air Force Cross in lieu of the DSC he had never received, making his actions on July 5, 1943, the first in history to merit award of the Air Force Cross. He retired as an Air Force Colonel on September 30, 1963. This signed photo is a copy of an actual period photo. The signature is original. The approximate size is 8 x 10 inches. Good overall condition.
Condition: See description for notes on condition. Please note that all items are sold as is without returns, so please ask questions in advance of bidding.
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