Polk Times

Rep. Scott Franklin (FL-18) has introduced legislation to rename a Sebring, Florida post office after Major Thomas McGuire, a combat pilot killed in action during World War II. The bill aims to honor McGuire's legacy and ensure that future generations remember his sacrifice in defense of our liberties.

In a statement, Rep. Franklin, who is also a Naval Aviator, expressed his pride in introducing the bill, saying, "We are losing more and more of our greatest generation vets like McGuire every day. This bill will help immortalize his legacy for future generations and ensure we honor his sacrifice."

Major Thomas McGuire was born on August 1, 1920, in Ridgewood, New Jersey, but he and his mother moved to Sebring, Florida, in the late 1920s. He attended Sebring High School and later enrolled at the Georgia Institute of Technology to study aeronautical engineering. During his time at the institute, McGuire was actively involved in the marching band and served as a sergeant major in the ROTC cadet corps.

In July 1941, McGuire left college to join the U.S. Army Air Corps Aviation Cadet Program. He went on to become one of the top scoring combat pilots in U.S. history, with a total of 38 enemy planes destroyed during World War II.

Tragically, on January 7, 1945, Major McGuire took off from Dulag Airfield for what would be his final mission. Leading a group of four P-38s on a fighter sweep in the central Philippines, McGuire's flight encountered a lone Ki-43 Oscar, which engaged them in combat. In a selfless act, McGuire risked his life by attempting a hazardous maneuver at low altitude to save his wingman from attack. Sadly, his plane crashed, and he was reported missing in action.

Locals who witnessed the crash rushed to protect McGuire's body from capture. However, it was not until 1949 that the U.S. Army recovered his remains. On May 17, 1950, McGuire was laid to rest with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery. Nearly 60 years later, a memorial was erected at the site of his crash, commemorating his gallant initiative, concern for the safety of others, and heroic determination to destroy the enemy at all costs.

The bill introduced by Rep. Franklin has garnered support from several cosponsors in the House of Representatives, including Rep. Diaz-Balart (FL-26), Rep. Posey (FL-08), Rep. Donalds (FL-19), and Rep. Buchanan (FL-16), among others.

The renaming of the Sebring, Florida post office is a small but significant way to honor the memory of Major Thomas McGuire and his extraordinary service to our country. By preserving his legacy, future generations will be reminded of the bravery and sacrifice of our veterans.

For more information about the bill and its progress, visit the official website of Rep. Scott Franklin at [link].

To find out more, go to this link: https://franklin.house.gov/2023/12/franklin-introduces-bill-to-honor-wwii-combat-pilot