TRIBUTES have been paid to a captain in the United States Army Air Force who was based in the county during the Second World War.

Edward Malo, known as Ed, served with the 356th Fighter Group and was stationed at Kesgrave Hall until August 1945.

Mr Malo died on November 26 at his home in Florida with wife, Ann, by his side.

Friend Bob Dunnett, of Martlesham Heath Aviation Society, said: “We have known Ed and Ann since the early 1990s.

“Ed was always keen to promote the relationship between the 356th Fighter Group and the Martlesham Heath Aviation Society and as such played a great part in establishing the museum in the Control Tower in Martlesham Heath – a building that Ed and his fellow veterans were all too familiar with between 1943 and 1945.

“Ed and Ann visited us here in the UK in 1996 and 1998 according to my records but, were always present at the 356th reunions in the US where he took the trouble to ensure that we were well looked after, you succeeded Ed.”

Mr Dunnett said the museum would “never have got off the ground” if it was not for Mr Malo and the other 356th members’ enthusiasm.

“He supplied the Union flag that we still use to this day, on one of the two flag poles on either end of the Control Tower,” he added.