Dean “Diz” Laird (1921–2022), World War II flying ace
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2 min readDean “Diz” Laird was the only World War II U.S. Navy pilot to shoot down both German and Japanese planes.
- Died: August 10, 2022 (Who else died on August 10?)
- Details of death: Died at the age of 101.
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Flying ace
Laird enlisted in the Navy just after the attack on Pearl Harbor, fulfilling his dream of learning to fly. Becoming a Naval aviator, he was a vital asset to his country, with 5.75 confirmed aerial victories. Laird was nearly shot down over the Philippines in 1944, but he was able to successfully pilot his bullet-ridden plane back to the USS Essex. In 1945, he was honored with the Distinguished Flying Cross for his heroic actions as he escorted bombers and shot down two Japanese planes. Laird remained in the Navy after the war, fighting in the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He set speed records, including a 549-mph record when he won the 1949 National Air Race. In addition to his military career, Laird flew as a stunt pilot for the 1969 movie “Tora! Tora! Tora!” He helped choreograph the movie’s depiction of the attack on Pearl Harbor, and he flew as one of the movie’s main stunt pilots. After retiring from the Navy in 1971, Laird bought a restaurant near San Diego.
Notable quote
“I had seen a newsreel that showed a vintage airplane landing aboard, and I thought, ‘Man, that’s gotta be more fun than anything.’ So I went out and joined the Navy.” —as quoted in the Mercury News
Tributes to Dean “Diz” Laird
Full obituary: The Mercury News
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