Col. John Thompson, USAF (Ret.), former captain Army Air Forces, 67th Fighter Squadron, Guadalcanal, passed away peacefully in his sleep yesterday at age 101. During the Battle of Edson's (Bloody) Ridge, then Capt. Thompson, flying one of only three serviceable P-39 and P-400 fighters, strafed Japanese troops attacking the Marine Raiders on the ridge, enabling the Marines to hang onto the ridge and protect Henderson Field. Because of the lack of equipment to recharge their oxygen system, the P-39/P-400's were restricted to flying below 11,000 feet. As a result, they were best suited to close air support roles on the 'canal. (They would not have been much of a match against Zeros, either!) Col. Thompson was one of a few Army Air Forces pilots awarded the Navy Cross!
I was privileged to have met Col. Thompson a few years ago at the annual banquet given by the United Veterans Committee of Colorado.
Rest In Peace, Sir! And thank you for your service!