MAJOR, USAF(RET)
Entered service 22 June 1942
Commissioned 3 November 1943
Retired 1 July 1970
Distinguished Flying Cross
Air Medal w/5 OLC
American Campaign Medal
European-African-Middle East
Campaign Medal w/ 5 Battle Stars
World War II Victory Medal
National Defense Medal
Armed Forces Reserve Medal
Air Force Longevity Service Award
AIRCRAFT FLOWN:
Stearman Biplane BT-13, AT-17, B-17, B-29, C-124 and numerous
trainers.
My favorite aircraft was the B-29. After flying the B-17 which
had to be manhandled, it was a pleasure to fly an aircraft with
boosted controls and a pressurized cabin.
ASSIGNMENTS AND POSITIONS:
Santa Ana AAFB, CA
Mira Loma Flight Academy, Oxnard, CA
War Eagle Field, Lancaster, CA
Douglas AAFB, AZ
Roswell AAFB, NM
Ardmore AAFB, OK
Station 119 Horham, Suffolk, UK
13th Combat wing HQ, Horham, Suffolk, UK
Hobbs AAFB, NM
Randolph AFB, TX
Fairchild AFB, WA
Biggs AFB, TX
Aircraft Commander B-17, B-29, C-124
Assistant wing A-3, 13th Combat wing
School Secretary, B-17 Transition School, Hobbs AAFB, NM
Numerous Reserve Assignments
CAMPAIGNS AND COMBAT EXPERIENCE:
Normandy
Northern France
Rhineland
Ardennes
Air Combat Balkans
I flew 35 combat missions and 18th AF weather mission with the
95th Bomb Group (H) during World War II.
CALLSIGN OR NICKNAMES:
Fletch -obvious
HIGHLIGHTS:
December 27 1944, the day I flew my final combat mission of
world War II. It was the last time I was under enemy fire and
the day I sent my entire bomber crew home without a scratch.
June 1 1992, Fairchild AFB. The end of an era as the Strategic
Air Command faded into history and was replaced by the new Air
Combat Command. At the end of this ceremony a B-52H, 1008, was
rechristened with the nose art of LUCKY SHERRY, the logo of my
World War II B-17G named in honor of my wife, Sherry.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:
Author of two books: MISTER and FLETCHER'S GANG published by the
University of Washington Press.
Omnibus Edition: LUCKY BASTARD CLUB published by Doubleday for
the Military Book Club.
Member of the second class to graduate from the 3904th SAC
Survival School at Fairchild AFB. Crew number 7.
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