John J. Pesch

Summary

John Joseph Pesch (20 July 1921 – 10 January 2010) was a senior officer in the United States Air Force who served as director of the Air National Guard from 20 April 1974 to 31 January 1977.[3] He served in World War II, and was a young pilot on 23 March 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, J. C. Amley, to successfully land the aircraft.

John J. Pesch
Major General John J. Pesch
Born(1921-07-20)20 July 1921
Maspeth, Queens, New York[1]
Died10 January 2010(2010-01-10) (aged 88)
Sterling, Virginia[2]
AllegianceUnited States
Service/branchUnited States Army Air Forces
United States Air Force
RankMajor General
Commands heldAir National Guard
132nd Fighter-Interceptor Squadron
Battles/warsWorld War II
AwardsAir Force Distinguished Service Medal
Legion of Merit
Distinguished Flying Cross (2)

Major General John J. Pesch Flight Safety Trophy edit

Pesch is remembered each time his "Flight Safety Trophy" is awarded to an organization.

Major awards and decorations edit

Notes edit

  1. ^ "JOHN J. PESCH". Bangor Daily News. 13 January 2010. Retrieved 31 December 2011.
  2. ^ Former ANG director passes away at 88 > National Guard > Article View retrieved 2018-05-07.
  3. ^ "Active Major Command and ANG Leaders", Air Force Magazine, Air Force Association, p. 106, May 2011, archived from the original (PDF) on 8 January 2013, retrieved 20 December 2011
  4. ^ "Safety is a top priority" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 11 June 2012. Retrieved 23 December 2011.
  5. ^ "Safety Testimonials". Retrieved 23 December 2011.
  6. ^ "Hooligans Honored for Flight Safety". Archived from the original on 24 December 2011. Retrieved 23 December 2011.

External links edit

  • 42-38157 Four Freedoms – Mission #21 Target: Brunswick 23 March 1944
  • Air National Guard Instruction 36-2802
  • Maine Obituaries
  • Former ANG director passes away at 88
Military offices
Preceded by Director of the United States Air National Guard
1974–1977
Succeeded by