Foil: 10 Panel: F100 Super Sabre Society Column: 3 Line: 3

Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:
Allen Strasser

Colonel Joe Criswell: (1933-2011) Joe Criswell served in the US Army after High School and then received his college degree under the GI Bill. Joe then went into Air Force pilot training and flew 0ver 3000 hours in C-130's. Joe was the aircraft Commander on the first USAF aircraft allowed into Berlin after it was shutdown in 1961
Joe left the Air Force and went into the Ohio Air National Guard to fly F-100C's at Lockbourne AFB where Joe became the 121st TFW Chief of Safety which was a full time technician job.
In 1965 Joe ejected safely from an F-100c near Lancaster, Ohio with an engine failure,
Joe was an instructor pilot in the active Air Force the ANG and the Air Force Reserve. Joe served his last 5 years as AFRES Chief or Air Force Safety which included all the ANG units and those Regular Air Foece Flying units in the continental US.
` Joe served in Korea after the USS Pueblo was captured flying CAP, Combat Air Patrol in the F-100C to protect USAF ELINT aircraft from North Korean fighters after the capture of the USS Pueblo.
Joe was in charge of setting up and running the AF Museum at Warner-Robbins AFB, GA
Joe once flew the English general in charge of the entire Indian Army around the Himalayas for a couple of weeks to see the border incursions that they were fighting against.
Joe flew to 55 years of age finishing up in the F4 phantom and after AF retirement Joe taught history at Troy State College in Pensacola, FL.
Joe was married to Donna for over 50 years and they had one son who is an Army attack helicopter pilot and four daughters.
Joe is buried in Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola, Fl.
Submitted by LTC Allen E. Strasser who met Joe in Korea in 1968 when they were both activated for the callup of 50,000 reservists after the North Koreans Captured the USS Pueblo. Joe Criswell remained my close friend for the rest of his life. Tel: 603 986-4020 for any corrections