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World War II Honoree

Killed in World War II

Wright Cox 'Billy' Hobbs, Jr.

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Kokomo, Indiana

Honored By

Pearl Thomas

Branch Seal
Activity During WWII

Served on the USS Yorktown (CV-10) as a fighter pilot. Flew a Grumman Hellcat and on August 15, 1945 left the carrier on a mission over Tokyo. While on the mission the war was declared over and he was returning to the carrier wnen Japanese fighter appeared and a dogfight commenced. He and three other pilots were shot down and were the last casualties of the war. He was declared Missing in Action on August 16, 1945. Posthumously received the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Air Medal.