SAN ANTONIO -- Famed Flying Tigers ace and Texas Air National Guardsman Brig. Gen. David Lee "Tex'' Hill, died Oct. 11 of congestive heart failure at his home here. He was 92. The general is scheduled for burial at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

General Hill flew with Gen. Claire Chennault as a member of the Flying Tigers, a volunteer group of American aviators who flew during World War II to defend China, which had no air force of its own.

He served as both flight leader and then squadron leader of the 2nd Squadron, flying the Curtis P-40 fighter with the distinctive shark's teeth paint scheme on the nose of the plane. During his time as a Flying Tiger pilot, he was credited with 12 aerial victories.

When the Flying Tigers were disbanded in July, 1942, General Hill continued to fly, eventually commanding the 23rd Fighter Group. By the time he left active duty, he was a triple-ace, credited with some 18 confirmed aerial victories.

In 1946, he joined the Texas Air National Guard as the youngest brigadier general in the history of the Air Guard. He was 31.

"Tex Hill has forgotten more about leadership and what's important than most of us will ever know," said Gen. T. Michael Moseley, Air Force chief of staff.

Gods Speed Tex

I saw General Hill on some History Channel show recently and I thought how good he was looking for his age. It's a shame to lose such a fine gentleman.

That is a shame to lose him. It shows how precious our time is with these brave folks.