Carl John Luksic was born in Honolulu, Hawaii back in 1921. He enlisted in the United States Army Air Force in 1942, entering into the Aviation Cadet Training Program. Later that year he was commissioned as a second lieutenant at Luke Field, Arizona. He was assigned to the 487th Fighter Squadron, 352nd Fighter Group flying P-47 Thunderbolts at Westover Field, Massachusetts in 1943.
Later that year he was deployed to England, attached to the Eight Air Force stationed at RAF Bodney in Norfolk, England. In 1944, his squadron transitioned to P-51 Mustangs. On this first flight 8 May 1944 he attacked 15 German planes shooting down three before he was separated from his flight. He rejoined friendly planes and assisted in attacking 20 more enemy planes, claiming two more victories. With little ammunition left he strafed and destroyed four oil tank train cars. For his actions he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross two days later.
What you may not know about first Lieutenant Carl Luksic is that he was the first pilot attached to the Eight Air Force to become an ace in a day.
Your day is worthwhile when you make someone smile, so give the free gift of a smile today.
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