Page 26 - DFCS NEWS MAGAZINE 2020-1

WWII Legend USAF Col. George Mobbs Turns 100!
Ira C. Eaker DFCS Chapter Celebrates By Bob Davis and Becky Hartley
1920-2020, that’s One Hundred years! That's how old George Mobbs was on March 25th, still very much alive and driving his own car. Covid-19 put a crimp into the Ira C. Eaker DFCS Chapter plans for a celebration. The Birthday Card, signed by chapter members, along with a DFCS coffee cup, DFCS hat, DFCS license plate, a DFCS Life Membership Certificate and the book “On Heroic Wings" were all put on hold. Later the items were boxed and the Security guard at Parkway Village (a retirement community) delivered the items to him. Finally, Happy Birthday George!
George is a retired USAF Colonel, who served much of his career in Air Material Command (AMC) and the Pentagon. He was a P-40 pilot in WWll serving in Egypt with the 64th Fighter Squadron, 57th Fighter Group. The 64th supported the British Eighth Army landing in Termoli, Italy, the battles of El Alamein, Egypt and Marble Arch. Their missions were escorting bombers, strafing and dive-bombing enemy airfields, troop concentration and communications.
On one mission they were strafing airfields when attacked by ME-109’s. George got behind one ME-109, fired his guns and missed, so he moved over and fired again and the plane burst into flames and fell off to the side. Now he had three ME-109’s on his tail. Low on fuel and out of ammo he headed out to sea and flying low on the deck evaded the enemy aircraft. Arriving at his base the landing gear would not extend so he bellied in and was not injured. He received his US DFC for this mission.
On the 18th of April 1943, the 64th along with three other squadrons destroyed 74 enemy aircraft.
George is credited with 104 combat missions with 4 enemy aircraft shot down, 2 damaged, and 2 probables. Along with his US DFC, he was awarded the Purple Heart and Air Medal. He also received the British Royal Air Force DFC from British Air Chief Marshall, Sir W. Sholto Douglas, for action on 8 December 1942.
George also did a tour in South Vietnam, stationed at Bien Hoa Air Base, as an advisor.
His next assignment will be as the guest speaker for the Ira C. Eaker Chapter DFC annual picnic. Well done George, thank you for your service and happy 100th Birthday!
George Mobbs’ P-40K in Egypt in 1942
George Mobbs (on left with black trousers) Celebrates Victories with Fellow 64th Pilots
26 / DFCS News Magazine / SUMMER 2020