Duane Beeson

Duane Willard Beeson
Duane W. Beeson
NicknameBee
Born(1921-07-16)July 16, 1921
DiedFebruary 13, 1947(1947-02-13) (aged 25)
Buried
AllegianceCanada
United States
BranchRoyal Canadian Air Force (1941–42)
United States Army Air Forces (1942–47)
Service years1941–1947
RankLieutenant Colonel
UnitNo 71 Eagle Squadron
4th Fighter Group
Commands334th Fighter Squadron
ConflictsWorld War II
AwardsDistinguished Service Cross
Silver Star
Distinguished Flying Cross (6)
Purple Heart
Air Medal (6)
RelationsTracy Beeson, née Waters

Duane Willard Beeson (July 16, 1921 – February 13, 1947) was an American fighter pilot and flying ace of World War II. He scored 22.08 victories, including 17.3 air-to-air kills, 12 of which were scored in the P-47C/D Thunderbolt, and 5.3 of which were scored in the P-51-B Mustang. Beeson was one of ten United States Army Air Forces pilots who became an ace in two different types of fighter aircraft.