James E. Swett | WWII Marine ace, 88

James E. Swett, 88, a Marine Corps pilot who was awarded the Medal of Honor after shooting down seven Japanese bombers in 15 minutes over the Solomon Islands during World War II, died Jan. 18 of congestive heart failure in Redding, Calif.

On the morning of April 7, 1943, Col. Swett, then a 22-year-old first lieutenant on his first combat mission, led his division of F4F-4 Wildcats to the skies over Guadalcanal in the western Pacific Ocean, where a wave of 150 Japanese bombers and fighter escorts was headed.

His Medal of Honor citation noted that he "unhesitatingly hurled his 4-plane division into action," engaging a formation of 15 Japanese aircraft and "with accurate and deadly fire" shooting down three planes in succession.

Despite being hit by friendly antiaircraft fire, Col. Swett maintained control, swept behind a group of five enemy bombers, then attacked. He rapidly took out four and, although low on ammunition, closed in on the fifth. He drew near enough to see the face of the Japanese tail gunner, who fired on him, sending Col. Swett and his Wildcat into Tulagi Harbor.

His windscreen shattered, his nose broken, and his plane crashed into the sea, Col. Swett, now an ace, was scooped up by a U.S. patrol boat.

After recuperating, Col. Swett began flying F4U Corsairs off aircraft carriers. In July 1943, the Japanese shot him down again, this time near New Guinea. He spent four days in a rubber life raft, eating coconuts and chocolate bars before natives rescued him.

He took part in more than 100 combat missions, including action at Iwo Jima and Okinawa.

By the time the war ended, Col. Swett had more than 15 confirmed kills. In addition to the Medal of Honor, the military's highest award for valor, he received the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Purple Heart, and the Air Medal.

After he was released from active duty, he joined the reserve, retiring in 1970. - Los Angeles Times