Kenneth Taylor, Pearl Harbor Hero-- Part 4: 14 Pilots Got Off Ground That Day, Both Became Flying Aces in the War

Taylor was credited with shooting down two Japanese aircraft that day, but a later search of Japanese records after the war confirmed that he had shot down four.  His wingman, George Welch, also took credit for shooting down four planes.

Taylor said he didn't have time to be scared during that morning's battle.  "I wasn't in the least bit scared and let me tell you why:  I was too young and too stupid to realize that I was in a lot of danger."

Both men were awarded the Distinguished Service Cross of Valor, the second highest award for bravery.  In all, 14 American pilots got off the ground to fight that morning and shot down ten Japanese planes.

Taylor and Welch both became flying aces during the war.  Taylor flew 40 combat missions, including 100 combat hours in a P-40 fighter and was credited with shooting down six Japanese planes.

GreGen