WWII Marine Aviator Remembers Dive-Bombing the Japanese, Flying with Ted Williams

Immediately following the attack on Pearl Harbor, Jonathan de Sola Mendes volunteered for naval flight training. Upon completion of training, Mendes served as a dive bomber pilot in the Marine Corps and flew over 100 missions in World War II, receiving two Air Medals for his service overseas.

Colonel Mendes was released from active duty in the Autumn of 1945. He then enrolled in Harvard Business School in February of 1946, during which time he continued to fly in the Marine Reserves on weekends.

In September of 1951, VMF-132 was activated for the Korean War, and by then a Major, Mendes spent the next year as operations officer of VMFT-20, the fighter refresher training and jet checkout squadron at MCAS, Cherry Point. It was here that both Major John Glenn and Captain Ted Williams went through training. Mendes would also serve alongside both of them in Korea.

During the Korean War Mendes would serve with distinction, flying over 70 missions and receiving an additional 8 Air Medals including the Distinguished Flying Cross.

After the Korean War, Colonel Mendes rejoined his old Reserve squadron, and in time became commanding officer. From 1958 to 1973 Colonel Mendes served as a staff officer before retiring as a Colonel with 30 years of continuous service.

At the age of 46 Jon quit smoking and started jogging. He ran his first marathon in his 50’s. He’s the oldest person to complete the Marine Corps Marathon (at age 91) and the New York City Marathon (at age 96).

Jonathan de Sola Mendes will turn 102-years-old on November 3, 2022.

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