WWII ace, 87, gets out of jail after 8 years

[unhappycamper]

WWII ace, 87, gets out of jail after 8 years
The Associated Press
Posted : Tuesday Mar 3, 2009 16:44:48 EST

BARTOW, Fla. — An 87-year-old World War II hero from central Florida will be a free man for the first time in more than eight years.

A judge ordered Tuesday that Abner Aust be released from jail. His release was expected later in the day.

The highly decorated World War II flying ace was put behind bars after trying to hire someone to kill one of his ex-wives and burn down her house.

Prosecutors wanted him sentenced to more time in prison, but state Circuit Judge Randall McDonald in Polk County credited Aust with time served and ordered him freed. Aust, whose health is deteriorating, will be on house arrest and live either with his son or friends.

Aust was a 23-year-old captain when he flew 14 combat missions in a P-51 Mustang over Japan in 1945.

Rest of article at: http://airforcetimes.com/news/2009/03/ap_pilot_released_030309/%2e