Lance C. Wade
Lance Cleo Wade | |
|---|---|
Lance Wade pictured in the cockpit of his Spitfire Mk VIII, Triolo Airfield, Italy, November 1943 | |
| Nickname | Wildcat |
| Born | 18 November 1916 Broaddus, Texas, United States |
| Died | 12 January 1944 (aged 27) Foggia, Italy |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Branch | Royal Air Force |
| Service years | 1940–1944 |
| Rank | Wing Commander |
| Service number | 68717 |
| Unit | No. 33 Squadron RAF No. 145 Squadron RAF |
| Conflicts | World War II |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Order Distinguished Flying Cross & Two Bars |
Wing Commander Lance Cleo "Wildcat" Wade DSO, DFC & Two Bars (18 November 1916 – 12 January 1944) was an American pilot who joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) during the Second World War and became a flying ace. He remained with RAF until his death in a flying accident in 1944 in Italy. He was described as a "distinguished American fighter ace who epitomized perhaps more than any other American airman the wartime accords between Britain and the United States".