Edward L. Feightner

Rear Admiral Edward Lewis "Whitey" Feightner (October 14, 1919 – April 1, 2020) was a United States Navy officer. He was known for his services in World War II Pacific Theater of Operations. During two combat tours, he shot down nine enemy aircraft to become a flying ace.

He commanded two Navy ships, served as the head of Navy Fighter Design, and was a key contributor to fighter studies that resulted in the development of jet aircraft that  are still in active service.

Feightner was the only pilot to land the dash-1 variant of the Vought F7U Cutlass aboard a carrier. He led VF-11 to become the first Atlantic fleet unit in which every pilot received the coveted "E" award in a single exercise. He turned 100 in October 2019.

Feightner died on April 1, 2020 in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho at the age of 100.

Awards and Decorations
Feightner was awarded the following decorations for his military service.

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Badge United States Naval Aviator1st RowLegion of Merit with one gold award starDistinguished Flying Cross  with three gold stars2nd RowAir Medal with two silver and one gold starNavy and Marine Corps Commendation MedalCombat Action Ribbon3rd RowNavy Presidential Unit Citation with three service starsChina Service MedalAmerican Defense Service Medal4th RowAmerican Campaign MedalAsiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with eleven campaign starsWorld War II Victory Medal5th RowNavy Occupation Service MedalNational Defense Service Medal with one bronze starPhilippine Liberation Medal with one bronze star

References

Category:1919 births
Category:2020 deaths
Category:American centenarians
Category:American military personnel of World War II
Category:People from Lima, Ohio
Category:Military people from Ohio