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 | |
---|---|
Born | Maspeth, Queens, New York[1] | 20 July 1921
Died | 10 January 2010 Sterling, Virginia[2] | (aged 88)
Allegiance | United States |
Service/ | United States Army Air Forces United States Air Force |
Rank | Major General |
Commands held | Air National Guard 132nd Fighter-Interceptor Squadron |
Battles/wars | World War II |
Awards | Air Force Distinguished Service Medal Legion of Merit Distinguished Flying Cross (2) |
Pesch is remembered each time his "Flight Safety Trophy" is awarded to an organization.