John J. Pesch
| John J. Pesch | |
|---|---|
 Major General John J. Pesch | |
| Born |
July 20, 1921 Maspeth, Queens, New York[1] |
| Died |
January 10, 2010 (aged 88) Sterling, Virginia |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/branch |
 United States Air Force |
| Rank |
 Major General |
| Commands held | Director, Air National Guard |
John Joseph Pesch (July 20, 1921 – January 10, 2010) was the national director of the Air National Guard from April 20, 1974 to January 31, 1977.[2] The General served in the Second World War, and was a young pilot (Captain) on March 23, 1944, when German fighters shot out two engines on the left side of his B-17 during a bombing raid. Eight members of the crew bailed out, leaving Pesch and his co-pilot alone with the aircraft.
Major General John J. Pesch Flight Safety Trophy
The General is remembered each time his "Flight Safety Trophy" is awarded to an organization.
- 157th Air Refueling Wing[3]
- 135th Airlift Group[4]
- 119th Wing[5] (Awarded Trophy in 2003, 2002, and 2000)
Major awards and decorations
Legion of Merit
Distinguished Flying Cross (United States) with one Oak Leaf Cluster
Meritorious Service Medal
Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters.
Air Force Commendation Medal
Presidential Unit Citation (United States)
World War II Victory Medal (United States)
Army of Occupation Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Notes and references
- ↑ "JOHN J. PESCH". Bangor Daily News. 13 Jan 2010. Retrieved 31 Dec 2011.
- ↑ "Active Major Command and ANG Leaders", Air Force Magazine (Air Force Association), May 2011: 106, retrieved 20 December 2011
- ↑ "Safety is a top priority". Retrieved 23 Dec 2011.
- ↑ "Safety Testimonials". Retrieved 23 Dec 2011.
- ↑ "Hooligans Honored for Flight Safety". Retrieved 23 Dec 2011.
Further reading
- 42-38157 Four Freedoms - Mission #21 Target: Brunswick March 23, 1944
- Air National Guard Instruction 36-2802
- Maine Obituaries
External links
| Military offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Maj. Gen. I. G. Brown |
Director of the United States Air National Guard April 1974 – January 1977 |
Succeeded by Maj. Gen. John T. Guice |