CAF Hall of Fame – JK West

Is Hereby Inducted Into The Commemorative Air Force Hall Of Fame – March 18, 2023

At age 16, J.K. West’s father taught him to fly. Two years later, when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, West enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force. He served meritoriously with the Ferry Command. After the War, West worked as a crop-dusting pilot and established his own crop-dusting business at Bailes Field in Angleton, Texas.

In 1969, West attended a CAF Airshow in Harlingen, Texas, to see the CAF’s fleet of World War II fighters, bombers, and trainers take to the sky. West said, “As I watched the airplanes , I realized I’d flown most of them and I desperately wanted to fly them again.” West became a CAF Colonel in March 1972.

He generously contributed his time and talents to train high-caliber aircrews and maintain CAF aircraft in top condition. He was instrumental in creating TORA TORA TORA, the historic aerial reenactment of the attack on Pearl Harbor. West recruited and trained pilots in the T-6 Texan for the performance; he kept the TORA aircraft in his hangar and oversaw the aircraft’s maintenance.

West enthusiastically supported the CAF’s mission. He said, “It takes enthusiasm and just plain hard work to keep the aircraft flying, but it’s worth it. You feel like you are a part of something worthwhile. People come out to tell you about their wartime experiences so many years ago-often with tears in their eyes. I think it’s important.”

West served as the CAF’s Chief Bomber Pilot, nine years on the General Staff, and one year as Chief of Staff. He received the Award of the Silver Magnolia Blossom, the Distinguished Flying Award, and the Distinguished Service Award. West passed away in 1989; he was the ultimate aviator, an extraordinary CAF member, and a true gentleman.

source