Buck McNair: Canadian Spitfire Ace

A great debt is owed to such high-spirited fliers as Buck McNair. From 1941 he flew Spitfires for three years, surviving 266 operational sorties over France and Malta, with 16 victories to his tally, and suffering serious back and eye injuries. Post-war he still flew as much as possible, including during attache duties in Japan in the Korean War, commanding the RCAF Wing in Germany and stints at NORAD HQ in Minnesota. His life ended early but the honours he received are a fitting tribute to a courageous Nova Scotian, who was admitted to Canada's Aviation Hall of Fame in 1980.