U.S. Navy Ensign Albert Lerch, fighter ace, leans on an aircraft, PTO, 1945
Photograph. U.S. Navy Ensign Albert Lerch posing for picture with airplane on deck of aircraft carrier. Official Caption: "Rome, 6/25/45--Ace in One Flight--U.S. Navy Ensign Albert Lerch, 22 years old, became an air ace in his first engagement with Japanese aircraft. He flew a fighter plane from a Navy carrier off Okinawa and with another flier, intercepted 30 enemy planes. Ensign Lerch shot down six enemy fighters and one bomber.--Navy photo through Rome OWI--Approved by appropriate military authority--(list A out). 6859." Pacific Ocean. 25 June 1945