44th Fighter Squadron

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The 44th Fighter Squadron was born in battle on Dec.7, 1941. The squadron was reformed after the Pearl Harbor attack with 5 experenced flight leaders and pilots coming mostly from Luke and Moore Field's 42G flight classes. The unit was blessed with a group of exceptional COs during the next 3 years of combat.  They included Everett Stewart, Kermit Tyler, John Little, Bob Westbrook, Peyton Mathis, Chuck Walton, and Joe Lesicka.  The pilots of the 44th were credited with destroying 171 Japanese aircraft with 11 pilots rated as aces.  These pilots were Maj. Bob Westbrook-15, Capt. C.B. Head Jr.-14, Capt. Joe Lesicka-9, Capt. Frank Gaunt-8, Capt Mel Wheadon-7, Capt. Bob Shuler-7, Capt. "Maggie" Francis-5.5, Capt. Jack Bade-5, Capt. Bob Byrnes-5, Capt. Cy Gladen-5, and Capt. Mat Matson-5.  I've had the pleasure of meeting many of the pilots who served in the 44th FS and it's a pleasure to call all of them my friends. You can consider this modest effort my tribute to a group of young men who willingly left their homes and families at their country's call  and served in her defense.  Over the past 25 years I've been fortunate to meet and make friends with many of these brave men.  They have welcomed me into there mist has if I was one of their squadron mates and for this I am deeply honored. This site is dedicated to the memory of the men left behind in far off Pacific battlefields and one who came home.  He was of the finest men I've ever known and a true friend......Lt. Col. Cyrus  "Cy" Gladen USAFRret.  44th Ftr. Sqd. flight leader and ace.