Boyd Wagner
The fiery American pilot who became the US Army Air Forces' first ace of World War II, scoring five kills in the desperate early days over the Philippines.
1916–1942 (age 26)·American aviator and fighter ace·Birthday: October 26·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Boyd 'Buzz' Wagner's story is one of brilliant, ferocious skill in the face of overwhelming odds. When Japanese forces attacked the Philippines hours after Pearl Harbor, Wagner, a young lieutenant, was thrust into the war. Flying a P-40 Warhawk against superior numbers, he displayed exceptional daring and marksmanship. On December 12, 1941, he became the first American ace of the war, destroying five enemy aircraft in a single day. His aggressive tactics and leadership provided a crucial morale boost during the disastrous retreat. After escaping to Australia, he served as a combat instructor and test pilot. His fiery career was cut tragically short in 1942 when he was killed in a plane crash in Florida, but his legacy as the nation's first ace in its greatest war remains etched in aviation history.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Boyd was born in 1916, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Boyd Was Born
The biggest hits of 1916
#1 Movie
Intolerance
Boyd's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1916Born
The Battle of the Somme claims over a million casualties
President: Woodrow Wilson
1921Started school
First commercial radio broadcasts
President: Warren G. Harding"My Man" — Fanny Brice
1929Became a teenager
Wall Street crashes, triggering the Great Depression
Gas: $0.21/galPresident: Herbert Hoover"Singin' in the Rain" — Cliff EdwardsBest Picture: The Broadway Melody
1932Could drive
Amelia Earhart flies solo across the Atlantic
Gas: $0.18/galPresident: Herbert Hoover"Night and Day" — Fred AstaireBest Picture: Grand Hotel
1934Could vote
Gas: $0.19/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Stars Fell on Alabama" — Jack TeagardenBest Picture: It Happened One Night
1937Turned 21
Hindenburg disaster; Golden Gate Bridge opens
Gas: $0.20/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"A-Tisket, A-Tasket" — Ella FitzgeraldBest Picture: The Life of Emile Zola
1942Died at 26
Battle of Midway turns the tide in the Pacific
Gas: $0.20/galHome: $3,175Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"White Christmas" — Bing CrosbyBest Picture: Mrs. Miniver
Key Achievements
- Became the first U.S. Army Air Forces fighter ace of World War II on December 12, 1941.
- Credited with destroying at least eight Japanese aircraft during the Philippines campaign.
- Awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his extraordinary heroism in aerial combat.
Did You Know?
His nickname was 'Buzz,' reportedly for his energetic and aggressive personality.
He was promoted from lieutenant to lieutenant colonel in just eight months due to his combat feats.
After escaping the Philippines, he helped develop fighter tactics for the new P-39 Airacobra and P-38 Lightning aircraft.
He died not in combat, but in a crash of a P-40K Warhawk near Eglin Field, Florida, while on a training flight.
“I got five of them, and I'm going back for more.”
