William Overstreet Jr.
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 | This article possibly contains original research. (July 2024) |
William Overstreet Jr. | |
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| Born | April 10, 1921 Clifton Forge, Virginia, United States |
| Died | December 29, 2013 (aged 92) Roanoke, Virginia, United States |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service |  United States Army Air Forces |
| Years of service | ?–1945 |
| Rank |  Captain[1] |
| Battles / wars | World War II |
William Bruce "Bill" Overstreet Jr. (April 10, 1921 – December 29, 2013) was an American fighter pilot and a veteran of the 357th Fighter Group, 363rd Fighter Squadron of the United States Army Air Forces during World War II.[2] He is best known for pursuing a German Messerschmitt Bf 109G underneath the arches of the Eiffel Tower in 1944.[2][3]
The scene of Overstreet chasing and downing the enemy plane is said to have inspired French citizens and the Resistance. He was awarded France's highest military award, the Legion of Honour, by French Ambassador to the United States Pierre Vimont at a ceremony held at the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia, on June 6, 2009.[2]
Overstreet died on December 29, 2013, at the age of 92.[2]
References
[edit]- ^ "RIP William Overstreet, A World War II Fighter Ace Who Flew Through the Eiffel Tower". 4 January 2014.
- ^ a b c d Holland, Tiffany (2014-01-02). "William Overstreet Jr., supposedly chased German aircraft beneath arches of Eiffel Tower". The Roanoke Times. Richmond Times-Dispatch. Retrieved 2014-01-29.
- ^ "Bill Overstreet, Famed WWII Fighter Pilot, Dies At 92". The Roanoke Times. National Public Radio. 2014-01-03. Retrieved 2014-01-29.