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Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:
Mr. Sanford Friedman

In honor of a Loving Husband and a Devoted Father, our Hero . . .
Dad enlisted in the Army Air Corps in September 1942. He was called to active duty in March 1943 into the aviation cadet program. He flew a PT-17 Stearman, BT-13 Vultee, AT-9 Curtiss and AT-10 Beachcraft during training. He graduated as a 2nd Lt Pilot 5 December 1943.
He was assigned as Co-Pilot B-24 in 493rd Bomb Group in the 8th Air Force. He flew his first mission on D-Day 6 June 1944. Completed 16 combat missions in a B-24 then changed to B-17s. He was wounded on the 24th mission. He was unable to continue to fly combat missions after being hit by shrapnel between the eyes. He was restricted to low altitude assignments. Returned to U.S. January 1945. Flew C-54 transports on the Trans-Atlantic run from March to October 1945.
Separated from service 25 October 1945 as a 1st Lt.
Joined the Air Force Reserve. In 1950 was assigned to 445th Fighter Bomber Wing at Niagara Falls, NY. Flew T-6s, P-51s, F-80s, T-33s and F-84s until mission changed to Troop Carrier. Flew C-119s until retirement in 1974. Was called to active duty during the Cuban Crisis in October 1962. Returned to reserve status. Assigned as Flight Commander and attained the rank of Captain. Promoted to Major and became Squadron Commander. Promoted to Lt Col. as Group Operations Officer. Assigned as Deputy Group Commander and promoted to the rank of Colonel. Retired from service in 1974 after 32 years of service and over 6,000 hours flight time.
During the 32 years was awarded the following medals and awards:
Purple Heart Medal -- Air Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters -- Presidential Unit Citation -- Combat Readiness Medal -- American Campaign Medal -- European Campaign Medal with 5 Battle Stars -- World War II Victory Medal -- National Defense Medal -- Air Force Longevity Medal -- Armed Forces Reserve Medal -- Small Arms Expert Medal.
Even after 2 open-heart surgeries, Dad fought to get his flying license reinstated, which he did. He loved flying and we loved flying with him.
With much love,
Wife Rose and Daughter Donna and Son Sanford