Lieutenant Commander John Joseph Magda Jr. (1918-1951) was an exceptional U.S. Navy aviator, a World War II flying ace, and a distinguished Blue Angels Commander who made the ultimate sacrifice in the Korean War. Born on July 23, 1918, in Camp Taylor, Kentucky, Magda’s legacy of courage and skill continues to be honored, including at Western Kentucky University (WKU) and the Aviation Hall of Fame.
A talented athlete, Magda was a football captain at Okolona High School and starred in both football and baseball at Western Kentucky State Teachers’ College (now WKU), graduating in 1940. Shortly after, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in September 1940 and became an aviation cadet in January 1941, earning his commission as Ensign in June 1941 after completing flight training at NAS Pensacola, Florida.
In March, 1943, he was assigned to the carrier USS Saratoga in the Pacific and while serving there was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal and two Gold Stars in lieu of the Second and Third Air Medals, for heroism and extraordinary achievement as Pilot and Leader of a Fighter Plane Division. He was an Ace at age 23, credited with shooting down five Japanese aircraft and destroying at least seven on the ground.
World War II Ace and Pacific Theater Veteran In August 1941, Ensign Magda was assigned to Fighter Squadron Eight (VF-8), based on the renowned aircraft carrier USS Hornet. He participated in the pivotal Battle of Midway in June 1942, a decisive turning point in the Pacific Theater. During this battle, his plane ran out of fuel, forcing him to ditch in the Pacific Ocean. He and another pilot survived five days in a rubber life raft before being rescued.
Magda’s heroic service continued in March 1943 when he was assigned to the carrier USS Saratoga in the Pacific. While serving there, he was recognized for his exceptional bravery and aerial prowess, receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal, and two Gold Stars in lieu of additional Air Medals. By the age of 23, he achieved ace status, credited with shooting down five Japanese aircraft and destroying at least seven more on the ground.
Jet Aviation Pioneer & Blue Angels Commander Returning to the United States in 1944, Magda was promoted to Lieutenant Commander on October 3, 1945. His career continued to break new ground; in March 1948, he was a member of the first jet squadron to operate from an aircraft carrier, the USS Boxer, marking a significant advancement in naval aviation.
In September 1949, Lieutenant Commander Magda was selected to fly with the prestigious “Blue Angels,” the U.S. Navy’s Flight Demonstration Squadron. His leadership qualities quickly shone through, and he became the Commander of the Blue Angels in January 1950, leading the iconic flight exhibition team.
Korean War Heroism and Sacrifice With the outbreak of the Korean War, Magda and his Blue Angels teammates were redeployed. He took command of VF-191, a jet fighter squadron operating from the USS Princeton in the Korean combat zone. On March 9, 1951, while serving as a strike leader pressing a rocket and strafing attack against enemy installations at Tanchon, Korea, Lieutenant Commander Magda’s jet was hit and caught fire. Demonstrating extraordinary heroism, he steered his burning aircraft toward the sea before it crashed, sacrificing his life at the age of 33. He was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism for his actions.
Legacy and Recognition Lieutenant Commander John Joseph Magda Jr. was survived by his wife and two children. His profound contributions to naval aviation and his ultimate sacrifice are permanently etched in history. He was posthumously inducted into the Aviation Hall of Fame in Lexington, Kentucky. To honor his memory, an F9F Panther jet is displayed at Aviation Heritage Park, painted in the Blue Angels scheme of his era with “Boss Magda’s” name, further cementing his place among aviation legends.
Military Awards and Decorations:
- Navy Cross
- Distinguished Flying Cross
- Air Medal with two Gold Stars
- Purple Heart
- American Defense Service Medal
- American Campaign Medal
- Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal
- World War II Victory Medal
- National Defense Service Medal
- Korean Service Medal
- United Nations Service Medal
