Ace and Guadalcanal Hero "Fritz" Payne Dies at 104-- Part 2

Museum director Fred Bell said,  "Fritz came along at a time when we were essentially losing the war,: adding that he and others, "stood their ground at Guadalcanal."  The battle was one of the turning points of the war in the Pacific.

For his service, Fritz received the Navy Cross, Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross and other medals during a long military career.

Earlier this year, Congress decided to honor all of the nation's fighter aces with a Gold Medal, Fritz was too frail to attend the ceremony in Washington, D.C., and Rep. Paul Ruiz brought it to him at the museum.

The title fighter ace is reserved for those who have shot down at least five enemy aircraft in battle.  Technically, Payne was awarded 5 1/2 kills as another pilot helped him down one plane.

--GreGen