I purchased my first model from TMC Pacific aircraft on a whim; I wanted a reminder of my military service, in the form of a model of the T28 trainer that I had piloted as a Navy flight instructor during the late 1960s. However, the product I received was so impressive that it gave me an idea: to put together an upstairs hallway display of model combat aircraft of the type flown by the men who inspired me to become a naval aviator.

I proceeded to purchase from TMC and display models of the planes flown by Medal of Honor winners Eddie Rickenbacker, Edward “Butch” O’Hare, Greg “Pappy” Boyington, Thomas “Tommy” Maguire and James “Jimmy” Doolittle. Each each model aircraft is displayed next to a framed summary of its pilot’s career containing a brief description of the exploits which led to the award of the CMH. On the wall at the entrance to the display is the following dedication:

“This hallway display is dedicated to Captain Edward “Eddie” Rickenbacker, U.S. Army, Lt. General Jimmy Doolittle, U.S. Army air Corps, Colonel Gregory “Pappy” Boyington, USMC, Lt. Commander Edward “Butch” O’Hare U.S. Navy and Captain John “Red” Pace, U.S. Navy reserve (my father), all of whom went in harm’s way during a World War so that their fellow Americans could live in peace and freedom.”

(signed) Lieutenant Commander Richard R. Pace, USNR (retired) I have received numerous compliments on the quality of the models in the display.

- Richard R. Pace
Long Beach, CA