Hispanics in the Defense of

the United States of America

A Salute to our Hispanic Fighter Pilots
"Fighter Aces"

Captain Micheal Brezas
Air Force Fighter Ace, World War II

Michael Brezas, during the summer of 1944, arrived at Lucera, Italy, to joined the 48th Fighter Squadron of the 14th Fighter Group. Flying the P-38 aircraft, Lt. Brezas downed 12 enemy planes within two months. On July 8, he destroyed a ME 109 over Vienna, Austria.

On a mission to Budapest on July 12, he downed one ME 109 and two FW 190's. He became an ace on July 19 when he destroyed an FW 190 on a mission to Munich, Germany.

Then on July 20 he shot down another ME 109 while flying against Menninger, Germany. Six days later he destroyed two FW 190's near Buzau, Roumania. Lt Brezas also downed two ME 109's on Aug 7 while flying a mission to Blechhammer, Germany.

His final two victyories were scored on August 25 against two FW 190's while on a mission to Kurin, Czechozlovakia, Michael Brezas came to the 48th Fighter Squadron as a 2d Lieutenant.

He was promoted to 1st Lieutenant in July and to Captain in November. He was only 21 years old.

He received the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with eleven Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Silver Star.
 
 

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