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The organizers of the Arsenal of Democracy Flyover were saddened to learn that Lt. Col. Thomas R. “Bob” Vaucher died on Sunday, February 7, at his home in New Jersey at the age of 102.
Vaucher was a decorated World War II bomber pilot in the U.S. Army Air Forces from 1940 to 1946. In that time, he completed 117 combat missions. Most notably, Vaucher served as Mission Commander and lead pilot for the American “Show of Force Flyover” on September 2, 1945, when 525 B-29 Superfortresses flew over the Japanese surrender ceremony aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. Vaucher earned several military honors including two Distinguished Flying Crosses, five Air Medals, eight Battle Stars, and 13 war-time commendations and citations.
In September 2020, Vaucher served as the Honorary Air Boss for the Arsenal of Democracy (AOD) Flyover in Washington, D.C. and participated in the planning and execution of this national tribute to the 75th anniversary of WWII. Vaucher enthusiastically flew in the B-29 Superfortress named “DOC” as part of his Honorary Air Boss duties.
“Bob Vaucher was an amazing American hero who selflessly served our nation with distinction and honor during World War II. From accepting, then piloting, the first delivery of a Boeing B-29 Superfortress for the U.S. Army Air Forces, to conducting bombing missions against Japan from forward operating locations in China, to leading over 500 B-29s and more than 100 escorting P-51s in one of the largest bombing raids in the Pacific Theater, Bob played a powerful leadership role throughout World War II,” said Pete Bunce, President and CEO of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), and Arsenal of Democracy Executive Committee member. “We were deeply honored to have Bob relate combat stories to our assembled aircrews at our AOD staging bases this past September. His presence made all the effort that went into this massive endeavor so very worthwhile. We extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. He will forever be remembered as a warrior who so humbly exemplified America’s Greatest Generation.”
“Bob Vaucher was an American hero who personified the Greatest Generation and all that it stood for,” said John Cudahy, President of the International Council of Air Shows, and Arsenal of Democracy Executive Committee member. “His involvement in our Arsenal of Democracy Flyover last year helped to personalize and humanize the great victory that his generation helped achieve more than 75 years ago.”
“Bob Vaucher was a humble and fun ambassador of his generation. A pleasure to be around and an inspiration for all that he met. We are truly blessed to have shared some great stories and lifted a glass to remember and honor all those who have served this great country. Honor is a core mission of the Commemorative Air Force. Programs like Arsenal of Democracy allow us to remember and honor those like Bob, who sacrificed and fought valiantly during World War II,” said Hank Coates, President of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF), and Arsenal of Democracy Executive Committee member.
Flyover Air Boss Mike Ginter remembered Bob as a “pilots’ pilot” and enthusiastic participant in flyover preparations. “Bob enjoyed meeting with over 150 warbird pilots and crews during the flyover activities at Culpeper and Manassas Airports in Virginia. He will be sorely missed and fondly remembered by all who know him,” Ginter said.
This press release was prepared and distributed by GAMA.
