The pilot killed when his vintage plane crashed in Fredericksburg is being remembered as a humble hero. Cowden Ward Jr. and World War II veteran Vincent Losada died November 17th when a P-51 Mustang went down in an apartment parking lot. On Wednesday, Ward’s best friend said the pilot died doing what he loved.
Cowden Ward Jr. loved nothing more than to take to the skies in Pecos Bill. To him, the vintage fighter plane did not have an equal.
“It’s just like driving a Ferrari except it flies,” said Ward
The video of Ward was taken by Erik Johnston a few years ago. It captures the pilot on his life-long mission to honor World War II veterans.
“I’m a better person for having known Cowden Ward,” said Rusty Hall who says Ward was one of his best friends.
Hall knew and flew with Ward for 25 years.
“As giving a person as he is, he developed an organization called Freedom Flyers and he began giving free flights to World War II veterans to honor them and pay them back,” said Hall.
Pecos Bill never saw combat in World War II, but the P-51 Mustang has flown a series of missions in the decades since. Ward uses the plane to give back to those who have already given the country so much. Hundreds of veterans have signed up over the years to sit in Ward’s jump seat. Hall will always remember one vet’s reaction.
“He’s got a grin from ear to ear and I just look at him smiling and I say what did you think. Quote, he says I can die now. I said what. He said I just completed my bucket list,” said Hall with a smile.
The expensive flights don’t cost veterans a penny. While other groups sell rides, Ward always gave them away.
“To give it to them, they were just beside themselves with appreciation. But he would not talk about that. You would never hear that from him. He was so humble,” said Hall.
To Hall and many veterans, Ward was a hero to our nation’s heroes. Hall thinks the way Ward lived his life is an example others could follow.
“I think Cowden was such a fun-loving person he would encourage everyone to find their passion and their dream and live it to the fullest because you never know when you will meet your maker,” said Hall.
A memorial is being planned for Ward on December 1 at the Commemorative Air Force Museum in Burnet.