Joseph C. McConnell
Joseph Christopher McConnell Jr. | |
|---|---|
McConnell with his F-86, Beauteous Butch II, following his last mission in Korea | |
| Born | January 30, 1922 |
| Died | August 25, 1954 (aged 32) |
| Buried | Victor Valley Memorial Park, Victorville, California |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch | United States Army Air Forces United States Air Force |
| Service years | 1940–1954 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | 448th Bomb Group 51st Fighter-Interceptor Wing |
| Conflicts | World War II Korean War |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Cross Silver Star Distinguished Flying Cross Air Medal (4) |
Joseph Christopher McConnell Jr. (30 January 1922 – 25 August 1954) was a United States Air Force fighter pilot who was the top American flying ace during the Korean War. A native of Dover, New Hampshire, Captain McConnell was credited with shooting down 16 MiG-15s while flying North American F-86 Sabres. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, and the Distinguished Flying Cross for his actions in aerial combat. McConnell was the first American triple jet-on-jet fighter ace and is still the top-scoring American jet ace.