Wing Commander Lance Cleo "Wildcat" Wade DSO, DFC & Two Bars (18 November 1916[1] – 12 January 1944) was an American pilot who joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) during the Second World War and became a flying ace.

The squadron's mission was to provide close air support for Operation Crusader, the British assault launched on 18 November 1941, against the German Afrika Korps.

[4] He spent the next several months back in the US on various RAF projects including evaluating some American fighters at Wright Field.

[6] He returned to combat as a flight commander in 145 Squadron with a bar to his DFC, flying Supermarine Spitfire Mk Vs.

Promoted to squadron leader, he had a busy 60 days, as by the end of April his score was 21, by then flying Spitfire Mk IXs.

[4] Wade was promoted to wing commander and joined the staff of the Desert Air Force but was there only briefly, as he was killed in a flying accident on 12 January 1944 at Foggia, Italy.

[4] Wade was credited with 25 aerial victories and was the leading American fighter ace to serve exclusively in any foreign air force.

By his great skill and daring, this officer has contributed materially to the high standard of operational efficiency of the squadron he commands.