World War II Honoree

Santiago R. Gutierrez

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

Laredo, Texas

Honored By

Douglas M. Alford

Relationship

United States Navy

Enlisted in the Army Air Corps as a private. Came up through the ranks to flight school. Received his commission as a Lt and was assigned to the 8th Air Force under General Jimmy Doolittle. Assigned to fly cover for the bombers flying to and from the German runs. On a flight in the clouds three aircraft crashed together and his aircraft crashed into the English Channel, he was never recovered. He was flying the converted P51 Mustang with the new Rolls Royce engine. It is noted that pilots in this unit were responsible for the safe missions of many of the bombers on those missions.