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Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:
Mr. Nicholas G Walsh Lelenberg

A native of Hampton, Iowa this pilot flew 51 different types of aircraft over a 59 year time span. He flew Liberator bombers throughout World War 2 with the 8th Air Force and was shot down on the first bombing mission on Rome in July 1943, parachuting into the Mediterranean Sea. Despite his wounds, he managed to swim throughout the day before being rescued by a British gunboat at sunset. Following WW2, he served as Air Attaché to Sweden. In recognition of his work with the Swedish Air Force, he was knighted by King Gustav VI into the Knighthood of the Royal Order of the Sword. Completing this assignment, he served four years with The Standing Group - the planning body for the newly established North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and was charged with the responsibility for the size and organization of the NATO member nations' Air Forces. He then moved on to command the 341st Bomb Wing during the Cold War flying the new 6 engined B-47 jet bomber. In this assignment, he helped perfect the mid-air refueling techniques and the bombing accuracy of the aircraft. He served with the Tactical Air Command during the Vietnam War. Upon completion of thirty years in the USAF, he was a consultant to the Wing Aircraft Company for Paris Air Show activities. He is the recipient of a great number of US and Foreign decorations, awards and citations, including the Croix de Guerre avec Palme and two Distinguished Flying Crosses. He is listed in the Marquis Who's Who In The World.