Robert C. 'Bob' Salisbury

Honoree:

Lt. Col. Robert C. Salisbury (USAFR Retired)

Honored by:

The Salisbury Family

Robert C. Salisbury earned his commission through AFROTC at Florida State University in April 1965. He attended USAF flight training in class 66-H at Reese AFB, Lubbock, Texas between June 1965 and June 1966. After completing flight training, he was assigned to combat crew training in the F-100 Super Sabre at Luke AFB, Arizona.

In March, 1967, Bob reported for duty in the 308th Tactical Fighter Squadron (31st Tactical Fighter Wing) at Tuy Hoa Air Base, Vietnam as a pilot in the F-100. Between March 1966 and March 1967, he flew 336 combat missions and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with one oak leaf cluster and the Air Medal with fifteen oak leaf clusters.

In April 1968, Bob reported to the 79th Tactical Fighter Squadron (20th Tactical Fighter Wing) at RAF Woodbridge, England. In July 1970, he transferred to the 492nd Tactical Fighter Squadron (48th Tactical Fighter Wing) at RAF Lakenheath, England. During the three years in England, he served on Victor Alert and participated in regular rotations to Italy, Turkey, Libya and Spain.

In April, 1971, Bob returned to the U.S., left active duty and was assigned to the USAF Reserves. In 1976, he was appointed an Air Force Liaison Officer, counseling and screening candidates for the USAF Academy and AFROTC Scholarship. He served as a Liaison Officer for fifteen years reaching the post of Liaison Officer Commander for Western Michigan.

After leaving active military duty, Bob earned an MBA from Florida State University and pursued a civilian career as a financial manager and executive. He worked for two years in banking and 25 years in the pharmaceutical industry. Before retiring, he served ten years as Chief Financial Officer of The Upjohn Company and Pharmacia & Upjohn, Inc.

Bob retired from the USAF Reserves in 1991