World War II Honoree

Edward Thomas "Michael" Miluck

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

Wilton, McLean County, North Dakota

Honored By

Sam E. Pennartz

In February 1940, he enlisted as an aviation cadet in the US Army Air Corps, and completed flight training at the Allan Hancock College of Aeronautics Contract Flying School near Santa Maria, California. In September 1941, he volunteered to join the United Kingdom Royal Air Force No. 71 Eagle Squadron, becoming one of only 244 Americans to serve as "Eagle" pilots. Flying Supermarine Spitfires, he was engaged in offensive fighter sweeps over the English Channel. He also flew Hawker Hurricanes, providing air cover over the French Coastal town of Dieppe, during Operation Jubilee. Later he was posted to North Africa, flying Curtiss P-40 Warhawk combat sorties during the El Alamein Campaign. In January 1943, he rejoined the US Army Air Forces where his combat experience was used as a flight instructor to train airmen who would soon be heading off to war.