St Petersburg, Florida
Thomas "Tom" W. Horton
1919 — 2021
Wing Commander, Ret., passed away peacefully on December 6, 2021 just shy of 102. Born December 29, 1919 in Masterton, New Zealand to Thomas H. and Constance E. Horton, he aced his way through school graduating at 14 but not eligible to go to college until 16. While working as a law clerk he obtained his license to fly at age 18, enlisted as airman in the RNZAF in September 1939, obtained his Wings and sailed to England in 1940 joining the RNZAF there. During WWII he was posted to No.88 Squadron in Belfast, N. Ireland flying Fairey Battles, then to Norfolk, England flying Bristol Blenheims and Douglas Bostons. After 31 operations he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross,...