Virgil K. Meroney

Virgil K. Meroney
Meroney in 1970
Born	(1921-02-16)February 16, 1921 Pine Bluff, Arkansas, U.S.
Died	June 27, 1980(1980-06-27) (aged 59)
Buried	Graceland Cemetery, Pine Bluff
Allegiance	United States
Service / branch	Arkansas National Guard United States Army Air Forces United States Air Force
Years of service	1937–1970
Rank	Colonel
Unit	352nd Fighter Group 8th Tactical Fighter Wing
Commands	561st Fighter Escort Squadron 7th Fighter-Bomber Squadron 80th Fighter-Bomber Squadron 308th Tactical Fighter Squadron 77th Tactical Fighter Squadron 8th Tactical Fighter Wing
Battles / wars	World War II Korean War Vietnam War
Awards	Silver Star Legion of Merit Distinguished Flying Cross (7) Purple Heart Air Medal (16)

Virgil Kersh Meroney II (February 16, 1921 – June 27, 1980) was a United States Air Force colonel. During World War II, he became a flying ace credited with nine aerial victories while flying the P-47 Thunderbolt, making him the only P-47 ace in the 352nd Fighter Group. He himself was shot down and captured as a prisoner of war before his successful escape from captivity. He also flew missions during the Korean War and Vietnam War before he retired from the air force in 1970.