World War II, Korean War ace passes away May 11 Published May 14, 2010 By Master Sgt. Russell P. Petcoff Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- The Air Force's first double ace in World War II, who later flew in the Pacific Theater and the Korean War, died May 11 at his home in Newport Beach, Calif. Retired Col. Walker Mahurin, was credited with 24.25 victories while flying in three theaters of war. He became the first double ace in November 1943 when he shot down his 10th aircraft. He finished his European Theater service with 19.75 victories. He scored a victory in the Pacific Theater in January 1945, rounding out his World War II total at 20.75. Colonel Mahurin later earned 3.5 victories in the Korean War. "Bud Mahurin was a legendary fighter pilot, inspirational leader, and an exemplar of Luke Air Force Base," said Brig. Gen. Kurt Neubauer, 56th Fighter Wing commander. "Bud embodied the highest American ideals and exemplified our Air Force's martial virtues of devotion to duty, valor and sacrifice." In addition to his aerial victories, Colonel Mahurin also was shot down in each theater. He was first shot down March 27, 1944, and eluded capture for two months. He was shot down by ground fire in the Pacific Theater. He was rescued after spending hours in a life raft. He was shot down by ground fire during the Korean War May 1952, spending 16 months in a North Korean Prisoner of War camp. He earned the majority of his kills -- and ace status -- while assigned to the 63rd Fighter Squadron of the 56th Fighter Group (now the 56th Fighter Wing). His aerial victories made him the third highest-scoring ace among the 56th FG 39 aces. "Bud was a shining example of an air warrior," General Neubauer said. "Our condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family." In recent years, the colonel came back to Luke to speak at base warrior calls and pilot graduations. The colonel was born Dec. 5, 1918, in Benton Harbor, Mich. He joined the Army Air Forces Sept. 29, 1941. Prior to the war, he was an engineering student at Purdue University. He retired from the Air Force in 1956. Burial arrangements at Arlington National Cemetery in Virgina are pending. (2nd Lt. Ryan DeCamp, 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs, contributed to this story)