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Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Sponsor

Honored by:
Gilbert H. Lang M.D.

Born Bayonne, N.J. Oct. 1918. Enlisted regular U.S. Army July 1939. Assigned original cadre that formed, the Air Defense Command in 1940. Graduated Flying Cadet Class of July 1941E, Maxwell AFB, AL. Sent to China April, 1942 to relieve the AVG Flying Tigers. Served two combat tours in China during WWII, wilh 125 combat missions with six air victories. Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with two oak leaf clusters, and Purple Heart, plus several campaign ribbons, Chinese Air Force wings with two medals. Appointed Regular Air Force with post-war assignments in Pentagon, Air Defense Command, and Research and Development Command. Retired Dec. 1959 at Edwards AFB., California. Flew almost all wartime fighters, but first was P-40. Having just finished flying the AT-6, will never forget the thrill and exhilaration felt when first advanced full throttle and released the brakes - the back of the head is still imprinted on that headrest!