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Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:
Ms. Jennifer Le Pore

Lt Col N. E. Condray USAF Ret was first introduced to aviation as a child in Springfield, Missouri in the early 1930s. A barnstorming troop came to town and was offering rides in a Ford Trimotor for 50 cents. After touring the town from above, Newton knew he wanted to learn how to fly. In pursuit of this goal, he enrolled in a Civilian Pilot Training (CPT) course offered by the government while attending college. Upon completion of the three month CPT program, he received his private pilot's license.
In December of 1941, a week after Pearl Harbor, the government called on the graduates of the CPT program to make use of their training. At the age of 20, Newton signed up to join the Army Air Corp and was inducted in February 1942. After completing additional training programs where he learned how to fly twin engine aircraft, Newton received his wings and a commission. He was assigned as co-pilot of a B-24 Liberator plane and underwent additional training to learn how to fly a four engine plane. His crew joined a bomb group that was going to be sent to China. His plans changed, however, due to illness.
Once Newton recovered, he picked up a new crew as a pilot of a B-24. Following further instruction, the crew joined the 44th Bomb Group. The group was sent to England where they received orientation and additional training. Newton's missions spanned from August 15th 1944 to March 12th 1945 and involved bombing sites primarily over Germany. His awards during WWII include a Distinguished Flying Cross and an Air Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters.
Newton continued to serve his country working in various positions during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Throughout his career, he flew the following planes: B-24, B-17, C-47, and DC-3.