In two hard fights spaced two days apart, one over Manila Bay and one over Ormoc, Commander David McCampbell last week downed two more Jap planes, brought his air-combat total to 34. It was still two shy of Major Richard Bong's top score. But in some respects, the Navy ace's record was more remarkable.
Flying from carriers, Navy fighter pilots have fewer chances to fight than Army pilots. When they do go out, they usually fly as escorts for bombers and torpedo planes, dare not leave their charges to go hunting.
Under these ace-race handicaps, 34-year-old David McCampbell, an elderly airman...
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