Foil: 6 Panel: Distinguished Flying Cross Society Column: 2 Line: 48

Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:

John E. Appel began his flying career at College Park airport in 1956. College Park was established by the Wright brothers in 1909 and was used by them for early flight training. It is the oldest airport in continuous use in the United States. After training in Aeronca 7AC taildragger, the Aeronca 7FC tri-champ, and other light singles he earned his private pilot license. He graduated from the University of Maryland in 1959 with a BS degree in business and was commissioned in the United States Air Force. Following Undergraduate Pilot Training in the T-34, T-28, and T-33 came a tour in the Strategic Air Command flying the B-47. Reassigned to Air Training Command he instructed for several years in the T-37, and T-38. After completing F-4 Replacement Training at Homestead Air Force Base, Florida he served a split tour in Viet Nam. He flew F-4C's with the 557th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Cam Rahn Bay, until the 12th Tactical Fighter Wing closed, and then moved to the 433rd Tactical Fighter Squadron, 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, Ubon Royal Thai Air Base for seven more months in the F-4D delivering the first AF 2,0001b, and 3,0001b laser guided paveway munitions. After a short stint back at Homestead he volunteered for another Southeast Asia tour, and flew a second year with the 469th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Korat Royal Thai Air Base, in F-4E's. In total he flew over 600 combat hours and 255 combat missions, including 21 over North Vietnam. Decorations include four Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Distinguished Service Medal, the Bronze Star, and seventeen Air Medals. He retired in 1980 after 20 years service. As of 2004 he is still flying and maintains his civilian Flight Instructor Certificate. He is approaching 5,500 hours and has flown over 50 different airplanes, including gliders, and in excess of mach 2.