Goshen in Clermont County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Colonel John J. Voll
World War II Flying Ace
— 1922–1987 —
Photographed By J. J. Prats, August 20, 2022
1. Colonel John J. Voll Marker, Side One
Colonel John J. Voll from Goshen, Ohio, was the highest scoring ace of the 15th U.S. Army Air Force in the Mediterranean theater of World War II. As a Captain flying a P-51 Mustang fighter plane, he was credited with twenty-one aerial victories. His superior skill in one particular battle enabled him to maneuver three enemy aircraft into crashes without firing a shot. On a separate mission, while flying solo, Captain Voll had four confirmed kills, two probables, and damaged two additional enemy planes.
After the war, John Voll, a 1940 Goshen High School graduate, returned to his alma mater and taught school for two years. In 1948 he re-entered the military and served in both the Korean and Vietnam wars. After thirty-two years of military service he retired in 1974. The highly decorated Colonel John J. Voll ranked second among Ohio’s Army Air Force aces.
Erected 1995 by the Goshen Township Historical Society and The Ohio Historical Society. (Marker Number 5-13.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • War, World II. In addition, it is included in the Ohio Historical Society / The Ohio History Connection series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1940.
Location. 39° 13.856′
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Goshen High School Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.4 miles away); Honoring Goshen School Building (approx. 0.4 miles away); Goshen School Building (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Leming House (approx. 4.2 miles away); White Pillars (approx. 4.6 miles away); Public Water Works (approx. 5.7 miles away); The Little Miami Railroad (approx. 5.8 miles away); 25th Anniversary (approx. 5.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Goshen.
Also see . . . Wikipedia entry for John J. Voll. Excerpt:
Flying a P-51D named “American Beauty,” Voll’s final victories occurred during a spectacular, individual effort. While leading an escort mission to Munich on 16 November 1944, Captain Voll experienced electrical problems and left the formation. As he returned alone, he spotted a single Ju 88 over Udine, Italy. Chasing the German aircraft as it attempted to return to its base, Voll was suddenly jumped by 12 Bf 109s and Fw 190s. He quickly(Submitted on August 28, 2022.)shot down the Ju 88 and turned into the enemy fighters. In a swirling, five-minute battle, John Voll destroyed two Fw 190s, one Bf 109, had two probables, and two damaged, making him one of the 38 Army Air Force “ace in a day” pilots. He ended the war with 21 air-to-air kills, all while flying the P-51 Mustang.Photographed By J. J. Prats, August 20, 20222. Colonel John J. Voll Marker, Side Two
Photographed By J. J. Prats, August 20, 2022
3. Colonel John J. Voll Marker
It it roadside at the Goshen Township Historical Society.
(Public Domain) United States Army Air Forces Photo
4. Captain John J. Voll of 308th FS, 31 FG onboard his P-51B-5-NA Mustang
Credits. This page was last revised on July 10, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 28, 2022, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 497 times since then and 97 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 28, 2022, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.
