Ray Budnick

Ray Budnick was a civilian pilot who became the first American to engage the Japanese as their Zero aircraft opened fire on him while he was out on a morning flight over Honolulu prior to the attack on Pearl Harbor on Sunday, 7 December 1941.

Budnick ultimately escaped, and was considered by the Fourth Doctor as a just as important historical character as the US General and post-war President Dwight D. Eisenhower even though history would forget him.

The Japanese proceeded to bomb the American naval base in what the Doctor called "the greatest airborne attack" of the 20th century. (PROSE: Only Connect)