William Arthur Shomo

On 11 January 1945, a two-plane American flight encountered a Japanese bomber protected by twelve fighters over Luzon, Philippines. The odds were thirteen to two. Rather than retreat, Major William Arthur Shomo ordered an attack that destroyed seven enemy aircraft and secured his place among America's most extraordinary combat aviators.

William Arthur Shomo (30 May 1918 – 25 June 1990) was an American fighter and tactical reconnaissance pilot in the United States Army Air Forces and a recipient of the Medal of Honor for extraordinary heroism during World War II. Born in Jeannette, Pennsylvania, he studied embalming and worked briefly as a mortician before entering the Army Air Forces Aviation Cadet Program on 18 August 1941. He received his pilot wings and commission on 7 March 1942.

After stateside training assignments, Shomo joined the 82nd Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, 71st Reconnaissance Group, Fifth Air Force, in the Southwest Pacific. He flew more than 200 combat missions during the campaign, operating from forward bases across New Guinea and the Philippines.

On 8 January 1945, Shomo led a reconnaissance and strafing sweep over Luzon, targeting Japanese airfields, transport and military installations. His extraordinary achievement during the mission earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Three days later, he performed the action that made him a national hero. Leading a two-plane flight on an armed photographic and strafing mission against the Aparri and Laoag airfields, he spotted a Japanese bomber protected by twelve fighters. Despite overwhelming odds, Shomo attacked and destroyed seven enemy aircraft, including the bomber. His wingman destroyed three more. Shomo received the Medal of Honor under War Department General Orders No. 25, dated 7 April 1945. Major General Ennis C. Whitehead presented the medal to him on Luzon on 3 April 1945.

Shomo commanded the 82nd Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron from 24 December 1944 until 25 May 1945. His wartime record included eight credited aerial victories and nineteen additional enemy aircraft destroyed on the ground during strafing operations.

Following World War II, Shomo continued his military career through the transition from the Army Air Forces to the independent United States Air Force. He served with the Pennsylvania Air National Guard and subsequently held numerous operational and command assignments, including command of the 14th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 59th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron and 54th Fighter Group.

He retired from active Air Force service on 1 October 1968. William Arthur Shomo died on 25 June 1990, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of courage, leadership and service.