Hero Of Two Wars Passes Away

The Air Force's first double ace in World War II, who later flew in the Pacific Theater and the Korean War, died May 11th at his home in Newport Beach, Calif.

Capt. Bud Mahurin (left) with fellow ace
Maj. Walter Beckham, 353rd FG

Ret. Col. Walker Mahurin, was credited with 24.25 victories while flying in three theaters of war. He became the first double ace in November 1943 when he shot down his 10th aircraft. He finished his European Theater service with 19.75 victories. He scored a victory in the Pacific Theater in January 1945, rounding out his World War II total at 20.75. Colonel Mahurin later earned 3.5 victories in the Korean War.

In addition to his aerial victories, Colonel Mahurin also was shot down in each theater. He was first shot down March 27, 1944, and eluded capture for two months. He was shot down by ground fire in the Pacific Theater. He was rescued after spending hours in a life raft. He was shot down by ground fire during the Korean War May 1952, spending 16 months in a North Korean Prisoner of War camp.

The colonel was born Dec. 5, 1918, in Benton Harbor, Mich. He joined the Army Air Forces Sept. 29, 1941. Prior to the war, he was an engineering student at Purdue University. He retired from the Air Force in 1956.

Rest Well, Colonel, and thank you for your service...

FMI: www.af.mil