Donald Phillip White Sr.

Donald Phillip White USAF (Ret), 87 passed away on February 5, 2012. Donald was born in Presque Isle, Maine. He served his country in World War II, Korea and Vietnam retiring in 1968 after 20 years of distinguished military service to his country. As a combat crew member of the 307th Bombardment Wing, he was on board one of the B-29 Superfortresses and was part of the largest daylight air battle over North Korea as chronicled in the book, Black Tuesday Over Namsi written by Earl J. McGill, Lt Col. USAF (Ret).

Donald flew in one of the nine B-29 aircraft sent to knock out the Russian MIG-15 airfield at Namsi North Korea, also known as MIG Alley. Protected by U.S. fighter escorts F-86 and F-84, what ensued was one of the greatest jet engagements in the history of aerial warfare. Six of the nine B-29 aircraft perished in the bombing raid. Donald survived in one of the three returning aircrafts. Operating with only two of the four engines, and sustaining over 400 MIG cannon holes in the body of the aircraft, his plane safely landed at a US airbase in Japan. All crew members survived.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, the love of his life, Virginia M. White of Largo FL, son Don White and his wife Ann of Belleair FL, nephew Lawrence Thompson and wife Windy of Largo, FL and 7 wonderful grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be offered to Suncoast Hospice, 5771 Roosevelt Blvd., Clearwater, FL 33760.

Friends are calling on Saturday, February 11, 2012 from 2 PM - 5 PM at the Moss Feaster Funeral Home, 13401 Indian Rocks Road, Largo, FL 727-562-2080 along with Funeral Services on Sunday, February 12, 2012 at 2 PM. Entombment will follow in Serenity Gardens Memorial Park.

Condolences may be offered at www.mossfeasterlargo.com.