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My friend William K. (Bill) Thomas has passed away peacefully at his home.
Bill flew many types of military aircraft, his favorites being the P-40, P-51 and F-86. He flew P-51s and F-6s (photo P-51s) in the CBI theater in World War II and 100 combat missions in Korea in the F-86 while with the 335th Squadron of the 4th FIW. On May 31, 1952 Bill downed a Mig-15. Towards the end of his Air Force career, Maj. Thomas was Squadron Commander of the 3243rd Test Squadron (Fighter Maintenance Division) at Eglin Air Force Base. He retired in the grade of Lt. Colonel, U.S. Air Force.
Bill's passion for aviation continued with memberships in Experimental Aircraft Association, Chapter 108, Order of Daedalians George "Bud Day" Flight and the F-86 Pilots Association. He built a full size flying replica of a WWI French fighter. Aviation history, photographing airplanes and collecting aircraft photos gave Bill great pleasure.
He will be very much missed by friends and family.
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