Walter J. Sharbo

BELLE FOURCHE - Walter Johnson Sharbo, 82, of Belle Fourche, died Thursday, February 23rd, at his home. He was born October 26th, 1923, in Williston, North Dakota to Ole and Alma Johnson. As a youth he participated in Scouting, earning the Eagle rank. He played sousaphone in the band. He was an avid model airplane builder and developed a life long love of flying. He spent numerous hours as a teenager cleaning the local airport hangars in exchange for flying lessons. He went to St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minne-sota, where he was intending to major in business. It was there in Spanish class that he met Marion Lashbrook. On the day after the attack on Pearl Harbor he enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps, but due to the number of enlistments was not accepted until the following year. Once accepted, he trained as a fighter pilot, earning his wings as a 2nd Lieutenant in March 1944. Before leaving for oversees he and Marion became engaged. He shipped to England in October 1944 and flew a Republic P-47 Thunderbolt with the 62nd Squadron, 56th Fighter Group, 8th Air Force. He survived being shot down twice while flying top cover for bomber missions deep into Germany, crediting the toughness of the "jug" for his survival. He became an ace with 5-1/2 credited victories, including 2 ME-109s on Christmas Day 1944, for which he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. His final victory turned out to be one of the last recorded ME-262 jets to be shot down by Allied pilots in aerial combat in April 1945. After the war he was discharged in November 1945 and returned to civilian life. He married Marion on August 17th, 1946. The couple lived in St. Paul, Minnesota, where Anne was born. They moved back to Williston, where he started his career with J.C. Penney. They transferred to Glendive, Montana, where Kathi was born. They transferred to Minot, North Dakota, where Paula was born. They transferred to Buffalo, Wyoming, where Steve was born. They then transferred to Belle Fourche, where they chose to remain for the rest of their lives. He survived the death of his wife in May, 1983. He retired from J.C. Penney in November, 1983. He enjoyed anything outdoors including hiking, boating, cross county skiing, and just driving through the Black Hills. He was extremely proud of his Norwegian heritage, his service to his country, and his family. Survivors include 3 daughters, Anne Kuecks, Rapid City; Kathi Fackrell, Salt Lake City; Paula Walker, Belle Fourche; and a son, Steve Sharbo, Denver; 7 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. Also included are special friend Sharon Lyftogt, 2 children, 6 surviving grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild. Services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday March 3rd, 2006 at the Open Bible Church in Belle Fourche. Burial will be at 1:30 p.m. at the Black Hills National Cemetery. Due to his love of the Black Hills and the outdoors, the family suggest memorials be given for "The George S. Mickelson Trail" maintenance. Checks can be written to: Parks & Wildlife Foundation, 523 E. Capital Ave., Pierre, S.D. 57501, attention Wayne Winters. Specify in the check that the funds are to be for the Mickelson Trail maintenance. Father - you are our hero and the wind beneath our wings. Now it is your time to fly.