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Archie Glenn Donahue (October 24, 1917 – July 30, 2007) was a decorated American combat pilot and a United States Marine Corps fighter Flying ace during World War II. He shot down a total of 14 Japanese planes during the war, including five in a single day.
Second Lieutenant Donahue was assigned to Marine Fighting Squadron 112 (VMF-112). While training other pilots in aerial gunnery, Donahue was nearly killed when the tail of his F4F Wildcat was sheared off in a midair collision over Marine Corps Air Station El Toro. Donahue bailed out almost immediately, but was underneath his plane and was afraid to deploy his parachute. He deployed his parachute 150 feet above the ground and sustained no injuries.
On May 13, 1943, Donahue's flight engaged in a one hour long dogfight west of Florida Island. Donahue possibly became an ace in a day, as he was confirmed to have shot down four Zeros, and probably shot down a fifth. A fellow Marine verified the fifth kill, but Donahue was never credited for it. Tragically, Donahue's wingman, Otto Seifert, was killed in the dogfight.
Two days later, Donahue claimed two more victories, but was forced to make an emergency landing in the Russell Islands when his plane was hit by enemy fire. After landing, Donahue was forced to take cover when Japanese fighters started strafing him. Promoted to captain, Donahue scored nine aerial victories during the Solomon Islands campaign.
On April 12, 1945, Major Donahue finally earned the title of ace in a day, personally shooting down three Vals and two Zekes with his F4U Corsair off the coast of Okinawa. This feat made Donahue the first carrier-based Marine ace in a day. Donahue was awarded the Navy Cross for his actions that day, and the award was personally presented to him by Vice Admiral Marc Mitscher.
On the morning of May 11, Donahue had just returned from a flying mission when the USS Bunker Hill was struck by two Kamikaze and over 390 sailors and Marines were killed, including one pilot from VMF-451. Donahue survived the kamikaze attack unscathed, but the attack ended the war for his squadron. He finished the war with 14 aerial victories to his credit. Besides his Navy Cross, Major Donahue was awarded three Distinguished Flying Crosses and five Air Medal.
Archie G. Donahue died on July 30, 2007, in Rio Hondo, Texas. He was subsequently cremated.
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