U.S. Air Force Colonel James Jabara
James Jabara, son of Lebanese immigrants, was the first American jet ace in history. During World War II, Jabara flew two tours of combat duty in Europe. He took down his first jet on April 3, 1951, followed by more on April 10, April 12, April 22, and May 20. Those qualified him as a “jet ace,” meaning he took down five or more jets as a fighter pilot.
For his heroism during World War II, Jabara was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with one Oak Leaf Cluster and the Air Medal with 18 Oak Leaf Clusters. While in Korea, he received the Distinguished Service Cross with one Oak Leaf Cluster and an Oak leaf Cluster to the Distinguished Flying Cross.