WW II ace, author Robert Scott dead at 97

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WARNER ROBINS, Ga., Feb. 28 (UPI) -- U.S. World War II fighter ace and best selling author, retired Brig. Gen. Robert Scott has died in a Georgia nursing home of natural causes at age 97.

Born on April 12, 1908, in Macon, Ga., Scott graduated from West Point as an Army second lieutenant in 1932 and completed pilot training a year later.

When the United States entered World War II in 1941, he was considered too old for combat, but he lied about being qualified to fly the B-17 bomber. By October of 1943, had flown 388 combat missions, shot down 13 enemy aircraft and had become one of the first U.S. air aces of the war.

After being recalled home, he wrote the book "God Is My Co-Pilot," which became a best seller, and the 1945 film was also a hit, Knight Ridder newspapers reported.

He returned to the war and downed a total of 22 enemy aircraft and hit 10 supply trains.

In his retirement, he wrote 11 more books and hiked The Great Wall of China.

He is survived by a daughter, a grandson, three granddaughters and several great-grandchildren.

He will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery near Washington.