Foil: 10 Panel: F100 Super Sabre Society Column: 3 Line: 32

Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:
Ms. Betty L. Ward

Anyone who knew Claude Ward will understand his motivation to rise from poverty level to the position of Lt. Colonel, jet fighter pilot on the United States Air Force. It was a long journey from his meager beginnings in Oklahoma, where he graduated from high school in 1942. Then, by hard work and chance, he was drafted into the U.S. military, which led to a 27 year Army/Air Force career. Claude served in WWII, the Korean War and Viet Nam, also was a tactical fighter instructor and trained advance pilots of the US and German Air Force for eight years. He turned down a Purple Heart for injuries in Viet Nam because "it was only a small piece of shrapnel".

At age 40, Claude earned a BA in psychology, history and military science while in the Air Force. He had earned the nickname "Dad" because he was always the "go-to" guy for any needing advice as their fathers would have given them. He traveled the world with his family, finally retiring from the Air Force to Atlanta at 45 to start another career in air conditioning. His "taps" were sounded 2 June 2008 on the eve of his 84th birthday. His wife of 63 years and family still live in Atlanta.