Polk Times

WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Rep. Scott Franklin’s (FL-18) bill to rename a Sebring, Florida post office in honor of Major Thomas McGuire, an ace fighter pilot killed in action during WWII, passed the House. The bill now heads to the Senate for approval.

"I am pleased my bill to pay tribute to American hero, FL-18's own Major Thomas McGuire, unanimously passed the House today," said Rep. Scott Franklin, a career Naval aviator. "His gallant initiative and selfless regard for the safety of his fellow servicemembers inspires me. It is my sincere hope this bill preserves his legacy for future generations and honors his sacrifice."

Maj. McGuire was a graduate of Sebring High School and attended the Georgia Institute of Technology before answering the call to serve his country. He became one of the Army Air Corps’ top aces, destroying 38 total enemy planes before being killed in action during WWII.

In January 1945, McGuire took off on his final mission from Dulag Airfield to lead a group of four P-38 Lightnings on a fighter sweep in the central Philippines. In an attempt to save another pilot in his team who was under attack, Major McGuire risked an extremely hazardous maneuver at low altitude. Tragically, he crashed and was reported missing in action.

In 1947, he was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his heroic actions to save his wingman’s life. Not long after, McGuire was buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery.

Specifically, H.R. 6810 designates the U.S. Postal Service building located at 518 N. Ridgewood Drive in Sebring, Florida as the "U.S. Army Air Corps Major Thomas B. McGuire Post Office Building.”

The bill is co-sponsored by the entire Florida Congressional delegation.

Read the text of the bill here.