Crosley J. Fitton Jr.

LT COL CROSLEY JAMES FITTON JR was born 28 Feb 1933 in CT. He was the son of Dorothy & Crosley J. Fitton Sr, & grew up in West Hartford. It was here that he developed his Faith in God, and His Love of Family & Country. These traits served him well for the rest of his life. He had a great interest and love of flying very early in life. He built & competed in flying model airplanes for over 12 yrs, & was the CT State, New England, & International Champion numerous times. He was destined to fly. In 1952 he enlisted into the USAF. After only months in service he knew he had to be a pilot. Not having taken Algebra or Geometry he taught himself these needed skills within a few months & received his wings in 1955. This was the beginning of a most amazing career for a most remarkable man. He was a Ftr Intcp Pilot, Weapons Controller, Instructor, The Air Wpns Off for NATO, & Sq Fit Commander, serving within the US, Formosa, Cuba, France (NATO) & Thailand. He piloted the U2, & numerous other aircraft. He designed & fabricated a survival jacket, which was then used by the AF, & also wrote numerous manuals. He attained the rating of Master of Air Defense, the first F-104 pilot to do so. He was a test pilot on the F104/104A in 1964, proving its high altitude capabilities, then revised & updated all pertinent publications. He was selected to test & accept an F-105A modified aircraft in 1967/8. He did so and was the first pilot to employ the modified radar bomb system in combat, with the 44 Tac Ftr Sq, and modified the F-105A manual. For these major accomplishments he was awarded Two Distinguished Flying Crosses, & additional medals. His superiors have written "As an AF Officer he is a calm, devoted & highly motivated professional. His Loyalty to those he works with and for is unswerving. He is considered by many as the most qualified officer in his field, an outstanding fighter pilot & credit to the USAF." Lt Col Fitton has received the Thanks & Respect of his Country, and the unfailing Love of his Family. He was MIA/KIA 29 Feb 1968, N. Vietnam. His remains were interred at Fairview Cemetery, West Hartford, CT Jan 1976.

CITATION TO ACCOMPANY THE AWARD OF

THE DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS TO

CROSLEY J. FITTON, JR.

Captain Crosley J. Fitton, Sr., distinguished himself by extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as pilot from 7 September 1964 to 17 October 1964. During this period, Captain Fitton flew nine flights in an F-104A under extremely hazardous conditions. This mission required that flight be made outside of the flight envelope of the aircraft in order to obtain urgently needed data for the safety of other aircrews. Captain Fitton accepted the hazards presented sad successfully accomplished his mission. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Fitton reflect great credit open himself and toe United States Air Force.

CITATION TO ACCOMPANY THE AWARD OF

THE DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS TO

CROSLEY J. FITTON, JR.

Major Crosley J. Fitton Jr. distinguished himself by extra-ordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105 Thunderchiel pilot over North Vietnam 0n 20 January 1968. On that date, flying through intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire, Major Fitton displayed outstanding, courage and determination while attacking a hostile surface to air missile complex in extremely dangerous weather condition. In the face of great danger, Major Fitton succeeded la neutralizing the missile complex in defense of a large F-105 Thunderchiel strike force. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Fitton reflect great credit open himself and the United States Air Force.