Ralph Gibson (fighter pilot)
Ralph Duane Gibson | |
|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | "Hoot" |
| Born | November 7, 1924 Keensburg, Illinois, U.S. |
| Died | January 2, 2009 (aged 84) Tucson, Arizona, U.S. |
| Buried | East Lawn Palms Cemetery, Tucson |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service | United States Army Air Forces United States Air Force |
| Years of service | 1943–1974 |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Unit | 4th Fighter-Interceptor Wing |
| Commands | 433rd Tactical Fighter Squadron |
| Battles / wars | World War II Korean War Vietnam War |
| Awards | Silver Star (2) Legion of Merit Distinguished Flying Cross (3) Bronze Star Meritorious Service Medal Air Medal (14) |
Ralph Duane "Hoot" Gibson (November 7, 1924 – January 2, 2009) was an American flying ace of the Korean War. He became the nation's third jet fighter ace with a total tally of five downed MiG-15 fighters. He also flew in the Vietnam War, and was a former lead pilot for the United States Air Force Thunderbirds.