<div class="image-200">
<img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn.kahimyang.com/resources/villamor_mac_arthur.webp" alt="General Douglas MacArthur (left) is shown pinning a Distinguished Service Cross on Captain Jesús A. Villamor of the Philippine Army Air Corps, for 
heroism in the air" />
<div>
(<a href="https://kahimyang.com/articles/3006/general-douglas-macarthur-a-legacy-of-leadership-and-controversy" class="news_link">Douglas MacArthur</a> (left) is shown pinning a Distinguished Service Cross on Captain Jesús A. Villamor of the Philippine Army Air Corps, for 
heroism in the air)
</div>
</div>
<p>
Villamor, who joined the Philippine Army Air Corps (PAAC) Flying School in his early 20s, was an outstanding cadet sent to the United States for advance flight training for three years instead of four years.
</p>
<p>
He also took part in the training of the U.S. Air Force’s Strategic Bombing Squadron which used the B-17 and B-22 bomber planes.
</p>
<p>
After a variety of postings upon his return to the Philippines, he was assigned to lead the 6th Pursuit Squadron shortly before the Japanese 

invasion of the Philippines in December 1941.
</p>

<p>
Overmatched against Japanese Zeros, his squadron of P-26 Fighters held their own against fierce enemy in dogfight after dogfight. The Filipino 

pilots etched their courage and skills in the skies above Zablan and Batangas Fields.
</p>
<p>
After his squadron was destroyed, Villamor continued his war against the Japanese this time as an intelligence officer.
</p>


November 7, 1914, Jesus Antonio Villamor was born in Abra