Scrappy Blumer

Who was Scrappy Blumer?

Larry "Scrappy" Blumer was a pilot in the United States Air Force. He was a member of the 393rd Fighter Squadron, 367th Fighter Group during World War II. He was nicknamed "Scrappy" because he flew a "Scrap Iron" P-38. Blumer was born in Walcott, North Dakota and attended college at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota. He joined the Air Force in 1943.

Stationed in Europe, Blumer became an "ace-in-a-day" when he shot down five German FW-190s in 15 minutes of aerial combat on August 25, 1944. Blumer took command of the 393rd on November 10, 1944 and held the position until his tour ended in January 1945. Blumer was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart, Air Medal with 22 Oak Leaf Clusters and the Belgian Croix de Guerre.

In 1946, he returned to the United States and became a contractor. Later in life, he purchased a P-38, painted it like his old plane, and flew it at air shows.

Blumer died of Leukemia on October 23, 1997 in Springfield, Oregon.