The Story of a WWII Pilot Risking His Life To Save an Enemy at the Philippine Sea

Colonel Kearby’s Last Mission

On March 5, 1944, Colonel Neel E. Kearby, a distinguished pilot of the U.S. Army Air Forces, embarked on a mission over New Guinea. Flying his P-47D Thunderbolt, “Fiery Ginger IV,” named in honor of his wife, Virginia, Kearby aimed to increase his tally of aerial victories. With 21 confirmed kills, he was close to surpassing the American record of 26 held by World War I ace Eddie Rickenbacker. Kearby believed that achieving this milestone could help maintain the P-47’s presence in combat roles, as newer aircraft like the P-38 Lightning and P-51 Mustang were gaining prominence.

Accompanied by Captain William “Bill” Dunham and Lieutenant Sam Blair, Kearby led a patrol along the coast of Papua New Guinea. At an altitude of 22,000 feet, they spotted three Japanese Ki-48 “Lily” bombers flying low over the sea. Employing the P-47’s high-speed diving tactic, known as “boom and zoom,” the American pilots attacked. Dunham and Blair successfully downed their targets. Kearby, however, failed to destroy his bomber on the first pass and decided to circle back for another attempt, a maneuver that left him vulnerable. During this second approach, a Japanese Ki-43 “Oscar” fighter attacked, and despite Dunham’s efforts to intervene, Kearby’s aircraft was hit. He managed to bail out, but was later found to have succumbed to his injuries.

Captain Dunham’s Act of Compassion

Nine months later, in December 1944, Captain Dunham was flying over the Philippine Sea when he engaged and shot down a Japanese Ki-43 fighter. As the enemy pilot parachuted into the water, Dunham prepared to fire upon him—a common practice at the time, as both sides often targeted parachuting pilots. However, Dunham hesitated. He later recounted feeling as though a higher power guided his decision, saying, “It was as if the Lord put his hand on my shoulder and said, ‘Bill, don’t do it.'” Instead of shooting, Dunham flew low over the water, opened his canopy, and threw a life jacket to the downed pilot, risking his own safety in the process.

This rare act of mercy was later commemorated in a painting titled “Uncommon Chivalry,” which hangs in the Seattle Museum of Flight. Dunham’s gesture stood in stark contrast to the brutal realities of the Pacific War and highlighted the enduring human capacity for compassion, even amidst conflict.

Legacy and Remembrance

Colonel Kearby’s remains were discovered in 1947 by a Royal Australian Air Force search team in the jungles of New Guinea. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery and leadership. Today, parts of his P-47 are preserved in the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, serving as a tribute to his service.

Captain Dunham continued his military career, eventually retiring as a Brigadier General. His decision to spare an enemy pilot’s life remains a poignant example of honor and humanity in warfare.