Joseph C. McConnell

Joseph Christopher McConnell Jr. (30 January 1922 – 25 August 1954) was a United States Air Force fighter pilot who was the top American flying ace during the Korean War. A native of Dover, New Hampshire, Captain McConnell was credited with shooting down 16 MiG-15s while flying North American F-86 Sabres. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, and the Distinguished Flying Cross for his actions in aerial combat. McConnell was the first American triple jet-on-jet fighter ace and is still the top-scoring American jet ace.

Joseph Christopher McConnell Jr.
McConnell with his F-86, Beauteous Butch II, following his last mission in Korea
Born(1922-01-30)January 30, 1922
Dover, New Hampshire
DiedAugust 25, 1954(1954-08-25) (aged 32)
Edwards Air Force Base, California
Buried
Victor Valley Memorial Park, Victorville, California
AllegianceUnited States
Service/branchUnited States Army Air Forces
United States Air Force
Years of service1940–1954
RankCaptain
Unit448th Bomb Group
51st Fighter-Interceptor Wing
Battles/warsWorld War II
Korean War
AwardsDistinguished Service Cross
Silver Star
Distinguished Flying Cross
Air Medal (4)
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