Foil: 6 Panel: Distinguished Flying Cross Society Column: 1 Line: 40

Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:
Ms. Shirley M. Paul

Sid was born in Washington. D.C., but grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he graduated from Central High School. He enlisted in the United States Air Force during World War 11 in 1943 at age 17. He wanted to become a pilot, but since there were too many applicants, he volunteered to be a tail gunner on a B-17. He was a Staff Sergeant in The Mighty Eighth Air Force in Kimbolton, England, where he served in the 379th Bomb Group and the 527th Bomb Squadron. His fIrst plane was named The Sophisticated Lady. He completed two tours of duty, flying a total of 35 missions, and was awarded, among other medals, The Distinguished Flying Cross. After receiving an Honorable Discharge in 1945, Sid entered the University of Oklahoma In Norman, and graduated in 1948. He moved to Louisville, Kentucky and worked in sales until he retired. He and his wife, Shirley, were married for 52 years, before his death, and were parents of 3 children, and grandparents of 7. Sid loved visiting the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. and his last trip there was in October 2004, when he was able to see The World War II Memorial and the new Udvar-Hazy Center. Sid was a survivor of, not only the war, but also of 4 different types of cancer, one of which was pancreatic, as well as heart disease, before he finally passed, He was known for his courage, positive attitude, humor, and winning smile to all who knew him, and is greatly missed. He was a member of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society, the Eighth Air Force Historical Society, and the 379th Bomb Group World War II Association.