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Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:

William James Heath was born on May 22,1929 in Port Clinton, Ohio son of Mr. and Mrs. Milton Heath. Since that day in the early 1930's, when he saw his first airplane, he knew he wanted to fly. The family later moved to Cleveland and Cincinnati. Working and attending the University of Cincinnati, he was accepted as a USAF Aviation Cadet. Reporting in August 1950, he trained in the T-6 at Connally AFB, Texas. Advanced training was at Williams AFB, Arizona flying the T-28, T-33 and the F-80. On September 15,1951 he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the in the USAF and received his wings. That day he also married Jean Whitsell and they began their career in the USAF.
In 1952 Lt. Heath flew F-84s for the 48th Fighter Bomber Wing in Korea. Other assignments were: Instructor for T-33 and F-80 from 1953 to 1956; B-47 pilot from 1957-1960; B-52 pilot from 1961-1970. Promoted to Colonel in 1971 and held positions in maintenance and logistics retiring in 1975. Col. and Mrs. Heath now live in Austin, Texas. They have three children and six grandchildren.