During World War II, Jack Ilfrey became an ACE, credited with the destruction of 7.5 enemy aircraft in aerial combat while flying P-38 Lightnings and P-51 Mustangs. He was himself was shot down over France on June 13, 1944. Disguised as a deaf and mute French farmer he once evaded capture, hiding in hedgerows and cycling 150 miles to Allied lines in Normandy with the assistance of French civilians to return to his unit. On November 20, 1944, he landed behind enemy lines and picked up his downed wingman and flew him back to friendly territory.




