A Pinellas County WWII veteran is being honored with more than 35 other American Fighter Aces next week, with the Congressional Gold Medal.
American Fighter Aces are pilots who have destroyed five or more enemy aircraft.
During WWII, Philip Kirkwood was an ace at the controls.
“I was good pilot,” said Kirkwood, “I must have been because I survived and a lot of people didn't."
Kirkwood, 94, who now lives in Seminole, shot down 12 aircraft and one probable. He said a victory meant survival.
“It's like a duel to the death," said Kirkwood about his days encountering enemy aircraft, “I had a few bullet holes every once in a while.”
Kirkwood’s skills and courage are now being honored. He and more than 30 other ace pilots will be recognized with the presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal in D.C. May 20th. He’s already received the Navy Cross for a mission in 1945 when he intercepted Japanese aircraft moving to attack their fleets.
He still remembers his first mission over the Pacific.
“We turned back and met each other in this clear zone in between clouds. And we shot them down. That was my first victory."
Kirkwood credits his survival to training and instinct. He took that confidence with him when he retired as a commander, and went on to become a dentist, along with a father and grandfather.
He said his family is his biggest accomplishment. Still, he's proud to be honored for his service.
“Aviation is dangerous, but if you love it you survive,” he said, “I'm a survivor. I loved it and I'm glad I was able to serve my country. It was pleasure."
Kirkwood said he would still be a pilot, if they’d let him.
Of more than 60,000 U.S. military fighter pilots, fewer than 1,500 have become known as American Fighter Aces.