Willaim Thaw - FU Hero
William Thaw. Many historians believe that the first American to be involved in aerial combat was Bill Thaw and, as such, is at least in the discussion of who was the first American fighter pilot.
Thaw was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in August 1893. He left Yale University in 1913 to learn how to fly at the Glenn Curtiss school where he eventually became a flight instructor. When war broke out in Europe in August 1914, Bill volunteered for the French Flying Service but was turned down. Determined to be a part of The Great War he joined the French Foreign Legion in September. By December he was allowed to join the Flying Service as a gunner/observer. Eventually he was trained as a flyer and was reassigned to the Lafayette Escadrille where he would become the American commander of the French run flying squadron. While part of the Escadrille he downed two enemy aircraft. After transitioning to the American 103rd Aero Squadron, which he would eventually command, Thaw achieved three more victories to achieve his ace status.
In addition to significant honors and awards he received for his exploits with American forces, Thaw was awarded the French Légion d'Honneur for his time with the Lafayette Escadrille.
Members of the Lafayette Escadrille. Bill Thaw, fourth from the left.
Lt. Colonel Bill Thaw would return to Pittsburgh a WW I hero where he lived until his early death in 1934 after a bought with pneumonia. Among his medals and war souvenirs his family found the Lafayette Escadrille's famous Bottle of Death. That Bottle of Death, signed by most of the aces of the squadron, had contained an 80 year-old bourbon whiskey. Each time one of the unit fliers scored an air victory he had been entitled to a shot from the Bottle of Death.
Bill Thaw was one of many men who answered the call. His performance was exemplary and brought great respect upon himself. He understood the respect he owed to the men he fought with and the traditions they had established. He had a kickass mustache that was, interestingly, groomed in the shape of his flying wings. Bill Thaw definitely warrants the lofty honor of FU Hero.
Thanks to Pete "Weiner" Meyer, Major, USMC Retired, great nephew of Bill Thaw who brought him to our attention.
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Colonel Philip Straley Died October 14, 2009, from injuries received in an automobile accident on October 5, 2009 in Memphis, TN. Col. Straley was formerly of Clinton, Iowa, but has resided in Tucson for many years. Phil was born September 14, 1948 in Clinton, Iowa, to Larry and Virginia Straley. He was raised at the Clinton Municipal Airport, which his father managed for 35 years. On Phil's sixteenth birthday he had the distinction of achieving solo flight in, not just one, but sixteen different planes. Following graduation from Camanche High School he went through ROTC at Coe College and became an Air Force Commissioned Officer. His military career spanned twenty-six years, and took him through Southeast Asia, 
Europe and the Middle East flying various fighter aircraft. The proudest of his accomplishments was becoming the Commander of the 308th TFS, Emerald Knights. His "comrades in arms" will tell you that he was a "pilot's pilot" who was never shy to tell you about his adventures. After retiring from the military he began flying Boeing 727's for FED EX, and became a Line Check Airman as well. Col. Straley is survived by his wife Judi; daughter, Anna (James) Cameron of Edinburgh, Scotland; son, Trent (Karita) of Phoenix; grandchildren, Piper and Nolan; brothers, Steve (Judy) of Tucson and J.B. (Kathy) of Eldridge, IA. Military Funeral Service was held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, October 23, 2009 at Davis Monthan Air Force Base Chapel. Memorials may be made in the Colonel's name to River Rats Air Warrior Foundation, St. Judes Childrens Research Foundation, Special Olympics, or Honor Flight Fund. 
