Remembering Pinoy heroes in aviation

On Dec. 17, the world will celebrate an important milestone in the history of mankind–the 100th year of aviation. As such, many countries are beginning to recall their contributions to the industry and remember the pioneers and forerunners who have made their mark on aviation history.

Even the Philippines has its own share of heroes and their stories are worth retelling.

It was in April of 1920 that Lieutenant Leoncio Malinao, a Philippine National Guard officer and flight cadet at the Curtiss School of Aviation, took off from Camp Claudio near Manila on a Curtiss Jenny in the first ever solo flight by a Filipino aviator.  Malinao flew toward Cavite and then back to Manila via Pasay. Malinao would be the first of many Filipino pilots to take to the skies.

Two decades later, another Filipino pilot would distinguish himself in the field of aviation.

In 1936, Jesus Antonio Villamor joined the Philippine Army Air Corps (PAAC) Flying School. After just three weeks, he was sent to the United States for advance flight training where he completed the course in three years instead of the usual four. Upon graduation, he was assigned to the US Air Force Strategic Bombing Squadron, where he flew B-17s and B-22s.

Right before the start of World War II, Captain Villamor was reassigned to the Philippines as leader of the 6th Pursuit Squadron. The outfit’s P-26 Fighters gained fame because of their tenacious defense of the skies over Zablan and Batangas Fields against Japanese aircraft.

Emmett F. Gibson, a former 1st Lieutenant in the US Army’s 192nd Tank Battalion, recounted the exploits of the Filipino fighter pilot to David Camelon in the story entitled Bataan Was Hell, which was published in the Chicago Herald-American on July 18, 1942:

"Our air force – the "Bamboo Fleet," it was called: a motley assortment of crippled planes, held together with baling wire, splinted and patched with bamboo – fought with fury.

"Capt. Jesus Villamor, the Filipino ace, and three Filipino lieutenants were flying antiquated planes, fighting side by side with American pilots. They fought with phenomenal daring.

"I remember seeing a flight of 27 bombers roaring overhead, on their way to spread a withering hail of death over Manila. Suddenly two black specks streaked down toward them.

"Villamor! There goes Villamor!" Someone beside me had shouted. Our hearts leaped as we followed those specks down, down, toward the enemy bombers. Two against 27!

"There was a sudden swirl in the Jap formation. Villamor and his company pilot were striking home. Bombers scurried through the sky like a pack of frightened geese.

A plume of smoke came from one–a tiny, graceful feather of black, streaming out behind it. It flew steadily for a minute, then plunged in a stream of smoke and flame through the bright tropic sky, until we lost sight of it.

‘One For Villamor’

In recognition of his bravery and service to his country, Lieutenant Colonel Jesus Antonio Villamor received the Medal of Valor from President Ramon Magsaysay on Jan. 21, 1954. As a fitting gesture to one of the Philippines’ greatest heroes, the Philippine Air Force renamed Nichols Air Base in Pasay City to Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base.

Ninoy Aquino International Airport general manager Edgar Manda, who is spearheading the celebration of aviation’s centenary in the Philippines, said that the exploits of these pioneering Filipino pilots and other local aviation heroes will be remembered come Dec. 17.

"The 100th year of aviation is something that we are looking forward to," he said.

"Many activities are being planned to coincide with the anniversary. These will include the Miss Aviation 2003 pageant, promoted by The EGL Promotions and Productions; the creation of an aviation museum, which will honor prominent Filipinos in aviation and house historical bits and pieces including a miniature passenger terminal; and the flight of 100 flying machines which is scheduled on the day of the anniversary. We owe so much to aviation and we hope that the public will realize this and join in the festivities," he added.