Harrison Thyng - Two War Ace

“First Encounter”
Oil on Canvas 44" x 36"
Troy White © 1997
For canvas prints click here.
Major Harrison Thyng of the 309th FS, 31st FG flying a Spitfire Mk Vb turns into an enemy threat after damaging an Fw 190 from III./ JG2 “Richtofen” on Aug. 8, 1942 to become the first 8th AF pilot to enter a claim against the Luftwaffe. Thyng is also one of seven US combat pilots who achieved ace status as both a reciprocating engine pilot in World War II and as a jet pilot during the Korean War.
In January 1942, 1st Lt. Thyng became CO of the 309th Fighter Squadron, 31st Fighter Group. The Group deployed to England in June 1942 and after being checked out on the Supermarine Spitfire began flying combat missions in August. Major Thyng claimed two enemy aircraft damaged and a probable while flying out of England. In Late October the 31st shipped out to North Africa supplying air support for Operation Torch and was absorbed into the Twelfth Air Force. Harry scored his first confirmed victory over a Vichy French Dewoitine D.520 fighter on 8 November 1942. He was promoted to Lt. Colonel on 18 April 1943 Before his time with the 309th FS was up he destroyed an additional four Nazi Bf 109 fighters to become an ace and in the process was himself shot down twice, once by British anti-aircraft fire. He was made Deputy Group Commander of the 31st Fighter Group on 12 May. He served in that capacity until being wounded in action and sent home for a rest after flying 161 combat missions.
On November 1, 1944 Thyng was made commander of the 413th Fighter Group equipped with the extended range P-47N Thunderbolt. He was was promoted to full colonel the following February at the age of 26. On May 19, 1945, the 413th deployed to the Pacific where it was utilized in the ground attack role until 8 August when Thyng's group flew its sole B-29 escort mission. That day Colonel Thyng claimed an Oscar as probably destroyed over Yawata on Kyushu Island.
Colonel Thyng deployed to Kimpo Air Base, South Korea in October 1951 and scored his first MiG 15 kill on October 24, 1951. A week later he assumed command of the 4th FIW. Thyng commanded the 4th FIW through October 2, 1952, and flew 114 combat missions. He is officially credited with five MiGs destroyed and four damaged although legend has it that after scoring his last victory on 20 May 1951, he gave his additional kills to his wingmen.
Harry remained in the Air Force and was promoted to Brigadier General in 1963. By the time he retired in 1966 he flown the P-40, P-39, Spitfire Vb, P-47N, F-80, F-84, F-86, F-89, F-94, F-100, F-102, and F-106 fighter aircraft. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with Oak Leaf Cluster, Silver Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal with 18 Oak leaf Clusters, Purple Heart. In the Pacific he earned five additional Air Medals,. During the Korean War he earned the Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters.
Oil on Canvas 44" x 36"
Troy White © 1997
For canvas prints click here.
Major Harrison Thyng of the 309th FS, 31st FG flying a Spitfire Mk Vb turns into an enemy threat after damaging an Fw 190 from III./ JG2 “Richtofen” on Aug. 8, 1942 to become the first 8th AF pilot to enter a claim against the Luftwaffe. Thyng is also one of seven US combat pilots who achieved ace status as both a reciprocating engine pilot in World War II and as a jet pilot during the Korean War.
In January 1942, 1st Lt. Thyng became CO of the 309th Fighter Squadron, 31st Fighter Group. The Group deployed to England in June 1942 and after being checked out on the Supermarine Spitfire began flying combat missions in August. Major Thyng claimed two enemy aircraft damaged and a probable while flying out of England. In Late October the 31st shipped out to North Africa supplying air support for Operation Torch and was absorbed into the Twelfth Air Force. Harry scored his first confirmed victory over a Vichy French Dewoitine D.520 fighter on 8 November 1942. He was promoted to Lt. Colonel on 18 April 1943 Before his time with the 309th FS was up he destroyed an additional four Nazi Bf 109 fighters to become an ace and in the process was himself shot down twice, once by British anti-aircraft fire. He was made Deputy Group Commander of the 31st Fighter Group on 12 May. He served in that capacity until being wounded in action and sent home for a rest after flying 161 combat missions.
On November 1, 1944 Thyng was made commander of the 413th Fighter Group equipped with the extended range P-47N Thunderbolt. He was was promoted to full colonel the following February at the age of 26. On May 19, 1945, the 413th deployed to the Pacific where it was utilized in the ground attack role until 8 August when Thyng's group flew its sole B-29 escort mission. That day Colonel Thyng claimed an Oscar as probably destroyed over Yawata on Kyushu Island.
Colonel Thyng deployed to Kimpo Air Base, South Korea in October 1951 and scored his first MiG 15 kill on October 24, 1951. A week later he assumed command of the 4th FIW. Thyng commanded the 4th FIW through October 2, 1952, and flew 114 combat missions. He is officially credited with five MiGs destroyed and four damaged although legend has it that after scoring his last victory on 20 May 1951, he gave his additional kills to his wingmen.
Harry remained in the Air Force and was promoted to Brigadier General in 1963. By the time he retired in 1966 he flown the P-40, P-39, Spitfire Vb, P-47N, F-80, F-84, F-86, F-89, F-94, F-100, F-102, and F-106 fighter aircraft. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with Oak Leaf Cluster, Silver Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal with 18 Oak leaf Clusters, Purple Heart. In the Pacific he earned five additional Air Medals,. During the Korean War he earned the Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters.

First Encounter
Major Harrison Thyng of the 309th FS, 31st FG flying a Spitfire Mk Vb turns into an enemy threat after damaging an Fw 190 from III./ JG2 “Richtofen” on Aug. 8, 1942 to become the first 8th AF pilot to enter a claim against the Luftwaffe. Thyng is also one of seven US combat pilots who achieved ace status as both a reciprocating engine pilot in World War II and as a jet pilot during the Korean War.
$
180.00