Foil: 6 Panel: Distinguished Flying Cross Society Column: 1 Line: 23

Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:
Ms. Vicki Glaros

John Anthony Glaros was born 27 May 1919 in Mt Vernon, OH. Died 5 March 2013 in Silver Spring, MD.

Entered the US Army Air Corps March 1942. Graduated Scott Field, IL, from radio school in September 1942.

Joined the 41st Squadron, 317th Troop Carrier Group (the Jungle Skippies) in October 1942 at Lawson Field, GA. The 317th was the first Air Corps group to fly to the Pacific Theater from the US as a unit.

He flew 155 missions and over 2,000 hours in southwest Pacific area as a radio operator. At that time it was believed to be a record for overseas flying hours.

He was a member of a C-47 crew, Honey Moon Express, which led the first paratroop invasion of the Pacific War in Markham Valley, New Guinea in September 1943. He flew dropping missions on B-17 Flying Fortress and reconnaissance on a PBY Catalina Flying boat.

Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters.

Flew training flights on a B-29 Superfortress at Maxwell Field, AL.

Discharged as a SSgt in September 1945.

He was a partner in a chain of restaurants in Washington, DC for 30 years.

Retired in 1978. Married Vicki in 1949, four children and thirteen grandchildren.