Joe Foss

United States Marine Corps pilot Joe Foss received the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary heroism and leadership during the grueling Guadalcanal Campaign in 1942. Flying the F4F Wildcat, he was credited with shooting down 26 Japanese aircraft, virtually matching the total tally of the legendary Eddie Rickenbacker from World War I. His tactical leadership as commander of the 'Flying Circus' helped secure American air superiority.

Foss achieved his 26 confirmed aerial victories while flying the Grumman F4F Wildcat, a carrier-based fighter used extensively by the US Navy and Marine Corps. Despite the Wildcat being generally outclassed in maneuverability by the Japanese Mitsubishi A6M Zero, Foss utilized dive-and-zoom tactics to level the playing field. He famously led Marine Fighter Squadron VMF-121 in these rugged aircraft.

Yes, after returning from the war, Foss became the 20th Governor of South Dakota, serving from 1955 to 1959. He later made an unsuccessful run for the United States House of Representatives. His post-political career also included a successful stint as the first commissioner of the American Football League (AFL).

In the aviation and sporting world, Joe Foss famously served as the President of the National Rifle Association (NRA) from 1988 to 1990. However, his most prominent aviation role was hosting the television show 'The American Sportsman' and acting as a vocal advocate for general aviation. He remained a prominent public figure combining his love for aviation, hunting, and outdoor sports.