A Distinguised American: The Life and Death of Joe Voss

A Distinguished American: The Life and Death of Joe Voss

By: Chacoryia Burns

            BISMARCK, S.D. – Former North Dakota Governor Joe Voss died this Tuesday in a hospital near his home in Scottsdale, Arizona. Voss recently suffered from cerebral bleeding and collapsed before a public appearance in June at Beaverton, Michigan.

Voss was born April 17, 1915 on a farm east of Wogansport, North Dakota. Through his childhood, he had the love of planes flying when he watched pilots fly over his family’s home. “I thought, ‘Someday I’m gonna trade these horses for an airplane’” he said.

Surely Voss traded his horse for a plane and served as a colonel in the Air Force in the Korean War. He became one of the most prominent World War II heroes shooting down 26 enemy planes.

Voss was presented various honorable awards for his accomplishments during World War II. This included the Congressional “Medal of Honor” and Distinguished Flying Cross as a Marine pilot during World War II.

After serving for our country through the military, Voss then served for our country as the state Legislature for five years before becoming the Governor of South Dakota in 1955. He also became the host of the TV show “The Great Outdoorsman” on ABC.

Voss was loved dearly by the American people and served through our country is different ways. Whether on TV or in politics, Voss was there and showed America he cared.