Name: Lt. Col. Emmett L. Herron
Branch of Service: U.S. Air Force
Dates of Service: August 1952 - April 1973
Age at Enlistment: 18 years
Theaters served in: Europe and Asia
Campaigns or engagements participated in: France during the Cold War on "alert" for dropping nuclear bombs on Eastern Europe. Vietnam during the hot war. Flew 100 missions over North Vietnam in an unarmed reconnaissance aircraft.
Awards, commendations or decorations received: Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC), Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (11 awards), Vietnam Service Medal with 3 Bronze Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Combat Readiness Medal, and other service recognitions.
Well known persons served with or under:
Buzz Aldrin, instructor in 1954 at Advance Gunnery School and my commander was Fredereick "Boots" Blesse, a Double Ace.
In 1956 & 1957, I served in France with Michael Collins (later an astronaut), and my commander was Robert R. Rowland (RRR), a World War II Ace and later Lt. General.
In 1965 & 1966, I had the pleasure of flying with Lt. Col. Bill Whiner, an Ace in World War II.
Post military occupations: Engineer at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, and General Dynamics. Ground School Instructor / Flight Instructor at American Airlines.