Robert M. DeHaven

Robert Marshall DeHaven (January 13, 1922 – July 10, 2008) was an American flying ace in the 49th Fighter Group during World War II, who was credited with 14 aerial victories.

[1] On April 14, 1942, he enlisted in the Aviation Cadet Program of the U.S. Army Air Forces, and was commissioned a second lieutenant and awarded his pilot wings at Luke Field in Arizona, on January 4, 1943.

The Oscar shot down by DeHaven in January 1944, was flown by Captain Shigeo Nongo, the executive officer of 59th Sentai, who was killed in action.

He scored his final victories in November 1944, when he shot down two Zeros and one Mitsubishi J2M "Jack" during aerial patrols over Leyte.

After being spotted by a Hollywood talent agent, he signed a contract with Columbia Pictures and starred in minor roles in three films from 1946 to 1947.

He was elected a Fellow in the Society of Experimental Test Pilots and also served as president of the American Fighter Aces Association.

P-40E of the 7th Fighter Squadron
DeHaven with his P-38 Lightning