AUG 12, 2014 PROGRAM:
Combat Experiences of a Marine Corps Fighter Pilot in World War II
V-J Day means Victory over Japan Day – the day Japan surrendered, ending World War II. The term has been applied to both of the days on which the initial announcement of Japan’s surrender was made—to the afternoon of August 15, 1945, in Japan, and, because of time zone differences, to August 14, 1945 (when it was announced in the United States and the rest of the Americas and Eastern Pacific Islands)—as well as to September 2, 1945, when the signing of the surrender document occurred, officially ending World War II.
First Lieutenant Claude Hone was a Marine Corps fighter pilot in World War II 70 years ago flying the F4U Corsair off the carrier Wasp. He saw combat action on the invasion of Guam, Saipan, Iwa Jima and Okinawa. He was in the first flight of eight planes to strafe the Tokyo airport under heavy anti-air craft fire. Only five planes made it through. Claude will tell you his first hand experience.
After the way he returned to his hometown of Sioux Falls, SD where he joined the Air National Guard and flew P-51 Mustangs putting on aerobatic air shows. His commander was Joe Foss, Marine Ace Pilot with 26 air combat kills.
He was a realtor for over 50 years and held South Dakota Real Estate License Number 1.