TracesOfWar needs your help! Every euro, pound or dollar you contribute greatly supports the continuation of this website. Go to stiwot.nl and donate!

Sloan, William J.

Date of birth:
January 1st, 1921 (Richmond/Virginia, United States)
Date of death:
January 30th, 1999
Buried on:
Arlington National Cemetery
Plot: 69. Grave: 5410.
Nationality:
American (1776 - present, Republic)

Biography

During World War II, he flew P-38 twin-engine fighters and became the Number 1 fighter ace in North Africa with 12 enemy credits.
Among his awards and decorations were the Air Force Cross; Flying Cross; and 20 air medals.

Do you have more information about this person? Inform us!

Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Lieutenant Colonel
Unit:
96th Fighter Squadron, 82nd Fighter Group, U.S. Army Air Forces
The Air Force Cross is presented to William J. Sloan, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an armed enemy of the United States as pilot of a P-38 aircraft in the North African Theater of Operations 5 July 1943. On that date, Colonel Sloan led a flight of fighter aircraft escorting thirty-six B-25 bombers in an attack on Gerbini Airdrome. The formation encountered intense antiaircraft fire in the target area and was attacked by ten enemy fighters. Colonel Sloan shot down two of the enemy fighters and as conspicuous in driving the remaining hostile fighters away from the bombers, all of which returned safely. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of the enemy, Colonel Sloan reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Air Force Cross (AC)

Sources

Photo