Colonel George W. Prentice
U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) and U.S. Air Force (USAF)
Background
George W. Prentice was born July 23, 1913 in Ohio.
Wartime History
Assigned to the 7th Fighter Squadron (7th FS) as a P-40 Warhawk pilot. Next, became Commanding Officer (C.O.) of the 39th Fighter Squadron (39th FS) "Cobra In The Clouds". On May 14, 1943 became the Commanding Officer (C.O.) of the 475th Fighter Group (475th FG) "Satan's Angels" flying the P-38 Lightning until November 26, 1943.
Aerial Victory Claims
Prentice was officially credited with three aerial victories between June 15, 1942 to September 4, 1943.
| Victory |
Date |
Location |
Aircraft |
Notes on claim |
| 1 |
06/15/42 |
|
|
First aerial victory claim with 7th FS |
| 2 |
03/03/43 |
|
|
Second aerial victory claim with 39th FS |
| 3 |
09/04/43 |
|
|
Third aerial victory claim with 475th FG |
Postwar
Prentice joined the U.S. Air Force (USAF) and was Commanding Officer (C.O.) of the 325th All-Weather Fighter Group at McChord AFB.
Mission History
On December 8, 1950 took off piloting a F-82F Twin Mustang 46-429 piloted by Col. Prentice and Capt. William Athas on a training flight bound for George AFB in Victorville, California. Flying in thick fog, the plane developed engine trouble. Athas managed to bail out and survived. Prentice was killed when the plane crashed into a hillside near Red Btuff, CA. After the crash, his body was recovered 200 yards away from the impact.
Memorials
Prentice died December 8, 1950 at age 37. He is buried at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at section PF, site 137.
Awards
Earned the Silver Star
for "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action during World War II" reported in the newspaper October 23, 1942.
References
USAF Historical Study No. 85 USAF Credits For The Destruction of Enemy Aircraft, World War II Alphabetical: Prentice, George W. page 154 (PDF page 161)
475th Fighter Group Historical Foundation - Unit History
Military Hall of Honor - Col George W. Prentice (Silver Star citation)
USAF Accident Report Summary Sheet - F-82F 46-0429
New York Times - Colonel Dies in Plane's Fall December 10, 1950, Sunday Page 59
Oroville Mercury Register "Air Commander Dies In Red Bluff Crash" December 9, 1950 page 1
FindAGrave -
George W. Prentice (photo, grave photo)
PrenticNet - George W. Prentice, Col., McChord AFB, Washington
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