Signature: Loisel, John

American air ace, credited with having shot down 11 Japanese aircraft during World War II. After graduating as a pilot, in September 1942 John Loisel was assigned to the 36th Fighter Squadron, 8th Fighter Group in New Guinea, where he flew 83 combat missions in P-39s. In July 1943 he was then selected to join the newly established 475th Fighter Group, then forming in Australia. Moving to New Guinea, he shot down two Tonys in August, a Zeke in September, and two more Zekes in October to gain Ace status. As his victories continued, he was given command of the 432nd Fighter Squadron on 22nd January 1944, and destroyed a Zeke the following day. He completed thistour in August with 10 victories to his credit. John returned to the Pacific in in January 1945 to become Group Operations Officer, scoring his final victory in March. Promoted to Lt Colonel in May, he took command of the 475th on 15th July and led the group through to April 1946. During the Korean War he commanded the 47th Fighter-Bomber Group flying the F84. He retired from the service in 1970. Died 20th January 2010.