"One Man Air Force."
- Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower upon presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Capt. Don S. Gentile in April 1942
Major Don Gentile was an Eagle Squadron pilot and an American ace in the European Theater in World War II.
Dominic “Don” Gentile, of Piqua, Ohio, is among the greatest of American air aces. He volunteered to fly for the Royal Air Force in 1941 and scored two victories with 133 Squadron, one of the three RAF Eagle Squadrons manned by US pilots.
After the US entered the war, Gentile and other Americans formed the 4th Fighter Group. By spring 1944 Gentile was the US Army Air Forces’ leading ace with 19.8 air victories. General Dwight Eisenhower called Gentile a “one-man air force” as he presented him with the Distinguished Service Cross.
Gentile survived the war, having been ordered home for a war bond tour in May 1944 and then assigned as a test pilot at Wright Field, Ohio. He died tragically in a jet trainer crash near Andrews AFB, Maryland, in 1951.
His awards, decorations, and flying gear, displayed in the exhibit cases to the right, exemplify Don Gentile’s achievements and devotion to duty.
Click here to return to the Early Years Gallery