Who are the Top Filipino Fighter Pilots of World War II

Jesus Antonio Villamor did not plan to be a hero. One of seven children, he studied commerce at De La Salle College in Manila, hoping to pursue a business career. In 1936, he joined the Philippine Army Air Corps (PAAC) Flying School and his life changed forever. After just three weeks, the outstanding cadet was sent to the United States for advance flight training. Breezing through the course in three (instead of the normal four) years, Villamor soon found himself in B-17 and B-22 cockpits as part of the U. S. Sir Force's Strategic Bombing Squadron.

After a variety of postings upon his return to the Philippines, Villamor was chosen to lead the 6th Pursuit Squadron during the Second World War. Overmatched against Japanese Zeros, his squadron of P-26 Fighters held their own against fierce enemy in dogfight after dogfight. The Filipino pilots etched their courage and skills in the skies above Zablan and Batangas Fields.

When his overwhelmed unit was finally destroyed, Villamor continued his war against the Japanese as an intelligence officer. On December 27, 1942 Villamor slipped past the Japanese Navy aboard the submarine "Gudgeon." Establishing a chain of direct communication from the Philippines with General Douglas MacArthur in Australia, he coordinated the activities of various guerilla movements in Luzon, Mindanao and the Visayas. Villamor acted as the "clearing house" for information, which eventually allowed the United States Armed Forces in the Far East (USAFFE) to map out a strategy to liberate the Philippines.

For his bravery as a pilot and ingenuity as an intelligence officer, President Ramon Magsaysay awarded Lieutenant Colonel Jesus Antonio Villamor the Medal of Valor on January 21, 1954. As a further tribute to one of the Air Force's greatest heroes, the PAF's principal facility in Metro Manila has been named Col. Jesus Villamor Air Base.

From: Kawal Pilipino, Infinit-1, Armed Forces of the Philippines, December 1995

BASA, Cesar Fernando - Filipino pilot and hero of World War II. Born in 1915, he was one of the pioneer fighter pilots of the Philippine Air Force and the first Filipino casualty during World War II, His brave fight took place at Batangas Field on the morning on December 12, 1941, when 54 Japanese bombers and fighter escorts raided the base. Five Filipino fighter pilots, led by Captain Jesus Villamor, gallantly engaged the numerically superior enemy in aerial combat at 12,000 feet, when Lieutenant Basa arrived on the scene from an air patrol mission with only 15 minutes of fuel left in his tanks. Without a second thought he pulled his throttle at full speed to join his comrades in the fight. While still half the distance away, he was intercepted by seven Japanese fighters and shot down. Although he bailed out, he was mercilessly strafed with machine-gun fire by the Zero fighters. In recognition of his heroism, he was posthumously awarded the Silver Star. Basa Air Base, the Philippine Air Force fighter based in Floridablanca, Pampanga, has been named after him.

From: http://philately.com/biographies/biobaba.htm

ANTONIO BAUTISTA

Antonio M. Bautista knew he was in trouble when almost every warning light on his instrument panel lit up. As Commander of the 9th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 5th Fighter Wing, he was leading a fighter strike against a thousand armed insurgents who had launched a fanatical attack against government forces in Parang, Jolo. Despite the warning Lt. Col. Bautista continued his assault, sustaining more damage with each pass. Only after two effective bombing runs and five successful strafing passes depleted his ammunition did he break off and try to save himself. Turning his burning plane toward friendly territory in Jolo, he ejected over a contingent of government troops just before his plane exploded in mid-air. Unfortunately, strong winds pushed his parachute back over enemy turf where, outnumbered, he engaged rebel troops in a valiant but fatal gunfight.

For his uncommon bravery and tenacity in the face of overwhelming odds, the Armed Forces of the Philippines awarded the late Lieutenant Colonel Antonio M. Bautista the Distinguished Conduct Star on April 29, 1974. In addition, the air base at Puerto Princesa was named after him.

From: Kawal Pilipino, Infinit-1, Armed Forces of the Philippines, December 1995

DANILO ATIENZA

In December 1989, Major Danilo S. Atienza made the most important decision in his 15 years as a PAF fighter pilot. That decision would affect the nation and cost him his life.

Starting out as PAF Flying School cadet at the Fernando Air Base in Lipa City, he was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1974. After numerous assignments with the 5th Fighter Wing at Basa Air Base. Atienza became Squadron Commander of the 6th Tactical Fighter Squadron. A long and illustrious career lay ahead of him.

However, on December 1, 1989, brother Air Force officers had joined an anti-government revolt, which threatened to destabilize the nation. Faced with a difficult choice, Atienza placed the security of the Philippines above loyalty to comrades and turned his F-5 fighter against the rebels who established a stronghold at Sangley Field. In bombing and strafing runs, amid heavy rebel ground fire, he and two other combat pilots destroyed one Sikorsky helicopter, seven T-28s and a fuel depot, depriving the rebel soldiers of air power. The gallant feat helped turn the tide of battle in the government's favor.

And, to achieve it, Major Atienza had to pay the battle's highest price. In return, a grateful nation-led by President Corazon C. Aquino and the Armed Forces-found him deserving of a Filipino warrior's highest prize: the Medal of Valor.On May 5,1992, by an act of Congress, the airfield at Sangley Point Naval and Air Training Station on which Major Danilo S. Atienza shed his blood was named after him.

From: Kawal Pilipino, Infinit-1, Armed Forces of the Philippines, December 1995