World War II Honoree

Herschel 'Herky' Green

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

Torrance, California

A FIGHTER PILOT IN EUROPE AND AFRICA IN 1943 AND 1944, HE WAS THE LEADING ACE OF THE 15TH AIR FORCE. HE DESTROYED 18 ENEMY AIRCRAFT AND 10 MORE ON THE GROUND DURING HIS CAREER. HE HAD SUCH A PROFICIENT SHOT THAT DURING ONE ATTACK ON GERMAN BOMBERS, HE SINGLE HANDEDLY DESTROYED 6 AIRCRAFT. BY THE TIME HE HUNG UP HIS PILOT'S WINGS IN 1944, HE HAD FLOWN 100 COMBAT MISSIONS, AMOUNTING TO 402 COMBAT HOURS IN THE AIR. HE HAD ALSO AMASSED MILITARY DECORATIONS, INCLUDING THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS, SILVER STAR AND 2 DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSSES.