The USN ace who shot down both German and Japanese planes flew his 100th aircraft

The only U.S. Navy ace to have shot down both German and Japanese planes during World War II recently flew his 100th airplane at Naval Air Station North Island on Jul. 9.

160709-N-TE278-116

95-year-old Laird flew in the rear seat of a T-34C Turbomentor with Lt. Cmdr. Nicole Johnson, a fleet replacement squadron instructor pilot with the “Flying Eagles” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 122.