Around the World in 8 Clues - This is IT!!!

[EPC Guy]

5 Minutes....places, everybody!!

[pris]

I'm placed....I'm placed.

[bbqcook]

Ready here, I'm in my place

Earl

[anne]

Just used the Bathroom.........so I'm ready

[grasshopper]

i'll wait till 5 after, let all you guys have a chance at getting it right...

[Kentfb]

Ready as i'll ever be. ohhh look the find on find page!!!!

[rip]

Oh shoot I just woke up from a nap and my head's all woozy I need coffee !

[bdahunter]

Just got back in the door, whew!

[bbqcook]

Better hurry Rip

Earl

[EPC Guy]

Hope everyone is well rested, well fed and well in the bag...cause I'm fixin' to lay the first clue on ya! I think it's an easy one...just to get y'all started...REMEMBER - each clue requires TWO answers...the geographical location AND a significant person, place or thing associated with the location....READY??? OK - Knock yerselves out...and GOOD LUCK to everyone!!

During the course of World War II, many people gained fame in one way or another. One of these was Ed, a fighter pilot assigned to an aircraft carrier in the Pacific. On one occasion his entire squadron was assigned to fly a particular mission. After Ed was airborne, he looked at his fuel gauge and realized that someone had forgotten to top off his fuel tank. Because of this, he would not have enough fuel to complete his mission and get back to his ship. His flight leader told him to leave formation and return.

As he was returning to his carrier, Ed could see a squadron of Japanese Zeroes heading toward the fleet to attack. With all the fighter planes gone, the fleet was almost defenseless; his was the only opportunity to distract and divert them. Single-handedly, he dove into the formation of Japanese planes and attacked them. Ed dove at them and shot until all his ammunition was gone, then he would dive and try to clip off a wing or tail or anything that would make the enemy planes unfit to fly. He did anything he could to keep them from reaching the American ships. Finally, the Japanese squadron took off in another direction, and Ed and his fighter, both badly shot up, limped back to the carrier. The American fighter planes were rigged with cameras, so that as they flew and fought, pictures were taken so pilots could learn more about the terrain, enemy maneuvers, etc. So, even though Ed told his story, it was not until the film from the camera on his plane was developed, that they realized to the extent he really went, in order to protect his fleet. He was recognized as a hero and given one of the nation's highest military honors.
Discover the identity of this true American hero, and you’ll find that the starting point for this hunt (and the significant second part of the answer) will be clearly evident.