The purpose of the Foundation is to ensure that Major George E. Preddy, Jr., his brother Lt. William R. Preddy, and their comrades at arms will continue to be honored for their significant contribution to victory during World War II.
Captain George E. Preddy
1st Lt. William R. Preddy
George and Bill, Tarheel natives from Greensboro, were killed in action while flying the P-51 Mustang fighter. George was the leading active ace in the European Theater of Operations when killed by Allied ground fire. He is the top Air Force ace from the Southern United States, the top Mustang ace, and ranks sixth among Air Force aces, and seventh among American aces. While leading the 328th Fighter Squadron of the 352nd Fighter Group, he was downed by friendly fire during the Battle of the Bulge on Christmas Day 1944 near Langerwehe, Germany. Bill was shot down by enemy ground fire while strafing an airfield at Ceske Budejovice, Czechoslovakia on 17 April 1945, just days before the war ended in Europe. It was the last mission flown by Bill’s 339th Fighter Group. He is memorialized in the Czech Republic as one of their liberators.
Preddy Boulevard in Greensboro is named for the Preddy brothers. You may click on the respective photo to get their biography.
George Preddy’s most famous aircraft was named Cripes A’Mighty 3rd. It is shown below-right with his ground crew. Preddy’s total score at the end of WWII was 32 1/2 enemy aircraft destroyed.
The PMF is a charitable North Carolina corporation (donations are deductible) with projects designed to memorialize the brothers. Write or call Joe Noah for information on membership, books, videos, exhibits, art, and meetings.
32 Comments
There were many WW-11 pilots who gave their lives but Major. George E. Preddy, jr. gave more than just his life for his country. While serving his country, he shot more enemy aircraft down flying a P-51 Mustang than any other. Even while loosing his life December of ’44, he set records that were never surpassed by those who were able to continue. (York, SC. USA)
This is a fantastic site memorializing two great guys from WW II era. I’m proud to be a relative. (Falls Church, VA. USA)
Great website! I knew the Preddy brothers parents and they were wonderful people. I’m also priviliged to know the current Preddy family, including Rachel Harris, Joe and Betty Noah, and John and Linda Faircloth. They carry on the prestige of the family name. (Greensboro, NC. USA)
The PMF has found several people who knew George & Bill through sites like this. The German paratrooper, Hans Gerlach, was identified through a site like this. Hans’ son wrote us and told us his father had helped the German nurses who were trying to help Bill Preddy after he was shot down near Ceske Budejovice. Hans was also recuperating from a wound, and in the hospital where Bill was taken on April 17, 1945 after being shot down by enemy anti-aircraft fire. We believe Bill never regained consciousness. But Hans tried to help, and we are grateful to know that. (Clarksville, VA)
Godspeed! (Escondido, CA / USA)
We have an airworthy P-51 at the Legacy Flight Museum named “Section 8″. I am researching the name and wonder if it is tied to “Sexshunate” mentioned in your history. Please e-mail any help you might be able to provide. (Rexburg, Idaho, United States)
Great site. (Hickory, NC)
I would like to hear from Foundation members (or anyone) who feel George Preddy should be awarded the Medal of Honor. This possibility is mentioned in the Foundation’s annual report. I would like to learn more about the background to this idea and whether it relates to a specific action on Preddy’s part, I may be able to make this idea the subject of a weekly column that appears in Air Force Times newspaper. Contact me by post, phone, or e-mail. (Oakton, VA. USA)
tried to start museum to george and Bill in 88. (Uniontown, Ohio. USA)
Recently finnished the book on the Preddy Brothers, and I can easily agree with the purpose of the foundation. We need to remember who came befor us and what they contributed to our freedom today. (Kittanning, PA. USA)
nice site. i am involved in collecting and learning about ww2 military aviation history. (Lake Worth, Florida. USA)
Some of us will never forget. Long Live George (Cripes A Mighty) and Bill. May They Rest In Peace. Thank you Joe. You are the BEST Cousin anyone could hope for! (Uniontown, OH. USA)
I raise a glass this day to George Preddy..may he rest in peace.
And to his brother William.
We Shall Never Forget.
Salute! (Scotland)
Nice site, y’all! I enjoyed reading the biography, several years back, and now have thoroughly enjoyed the website, as well. Sadly, I couldn’t get the dogfight video to work, but that’s probably the fault of my crappy ol’ browser. It hates everything. It’s great to see our heroes remembered, like this. Keep up the good work, and God bless! (Mesquite, TX USA)
Steve: Looks like a good cause to remember these guys. Great Web page.
Cousin Smitty Libby, Montana. USA)
I’m very proud that a man from my home state became such a great hero of WW II. (Pelham, NC. USA)
I work at the airport in Greensboro, NC and see and listen to the memorial footage each time I pass by. I wish I could watch the whole thing! (Summerfield, N.C. USA)
While stationed in England in the early 90′s I lived in a small town called Brandon. I was intrigued with 8th AF History and especially the P-51 Mustang. I was reading the book authored by Noah and Sox regarding the life of Major George Preddy. In reading the various stories about his life I noted the mention of the town Bodney, and the 352nd. I immediately pulled out a map and was amazed to learn that Bodney was only 10 minutes from my home. I immediately drove my car to the town and drove down a small road to the perimeter of the abandoned field. I found the control tower and hard stands where the a/c were once parked. I could still imagine what it must have been like to see Mustangs flying around the circuit. I have since been back to England twice, and each time I have visited the field. I think about the accomplishment of both George and his brother and appreciate the ultimate price they paid to make this Country what it is today. (Lacey, Washington. USA)
The Preddy brothers should be remembered forever. (Sweden)
I am so proud to be related to these 2 brave souls! Thank you for such a great site to share with my friends and family here in Florida. May my cousins rest in peace! (Orlando, Florida. USA)
I was there and particpated while on duty during the Last 352nd Fighter Group’s Reunion at the Virginia Air National Guard, Richmond Intl Airport, VA. An AMAZING Event Most Enjoyable of all time to meet thoses remaining Men & Woman who where part of the unit during WWII & knew George Perddy…
WOW, Thank for this site…(Lansing, Kansas. USA)
(Washington, D.C. USA)
My Father, Virgil, was a flyin’ buddy of George in the 487th/352nd in England. I always enjoy visiting the Foundation Web Site. Thanks Always (Grayling, Michigan. USA)
I have always admired the WWII Aviators and have read much about their actions. I was 12 years old during the war years but remember their actions. (Winter Haven, Florida. USA)
Enjoyed your website. I’ll always remember seeing George’s Photo, giving the “OK” sign, in the book “Great American Fighter Pilots of World War Two”, which was my favorite library book while growing up. I bought myself a copy of the book a few years ago. George is indeed an american hero.
Just finished the book written by J. Noah. Remarkable; why do others, with less admirable traits, get more recognition? George Preddy, a true American Hero! And, he’s a North Carolinian!!! (Tabor City, NC. USA)
Since I have referred to the website I have been searching for more information / reading material on George and his life. I don’t know why, but his videos and his photographs brings tears in my eyes – time and again! I am sure these are tears of natural human pride and respect for the selfless action put in by Preddy’s (individuals and family). I feel a deep connect to the great souls of George and Bill.
I appreciate the effort put in by friends and family to keep the flame alive on George and Bill.
I am based out of Mumbai, India and during my next visit to US, I will be happy to meet with a few people who knew George personally.
May God Bless
(India)
I have been in love with the Mustang for over 45 years, Reading everything possible about them and buying VHS tapes and now DVDs about the Mustangs and their pilots. One of my favorites is Preddy, The Mustang Ace. I also own nine 1/18 scale Mustangs from “Big Beautiful Doll” to “Ridge Runner.” A few minutes ago I won a 1/18 scale model of Cripes-A-Mighty 3rd off eBay. Now my 1/18 Mustang collection is at ten with the last P-51 being the one I wanted the most. What an honor it is to own a model of the plane George flew. There are not enough words in the English language to describe the admiration I have for George Preddy and his brother William. It’s pilots like George who helped defeat the Luftwaffe and take “ownership ” of the skys over Europe. His bravery and devotion to his mission are unmatched. Long may his memory live on. George, as an old ex Air Force radar repairman, I salute you and thank you for your service to our country. (Alsip, IL. USA)
(Belews Creek, North Carolina)
God Bless you all. I am so very sorry I could not deliver the shrine you and Bill deserved,….I did try. (Uniontown, OH USA)
In today’s society we honor those as heroes who do well on the athletic field, in the movies, or in music. But the real heroes are men like George and Bill Preddy, who paid the ultimate price for victory during the latter days of World War II. Flying the P-51 Mustang was something young kids at the time only dreamed about, but the Preddy brothers made that dream a reality. Their devotion to duty is something to be emulated by those who carry on their legacy. This site is a testament to that fact. (Bakersfield, California. USA)
I’m from AUSTIN, TX. and every Christmas I take time to remember the loss of one of Americas Greatest war hero’s George Preddy and the North American P-51 mustang. What can I say his job was protecting his fellow solders and he did his job extremely well, THANK YOU once again on this christmas day 2011.