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Posted on 12/09/2012 11:46:58 PM PST by smokingfrog
Ralph Sherman Parr Jr., one of the most decorated military pilots in U.S. history, has died, joining the ranks of other legendary aviators who shaped today's Air Force.
Parr, a double ace in the Korean War, had undergone treatment for cancer in recent weeks at an assisted living facility in New Braunfels, where he died Friday at 88.
Parr was among the last survivors of an era of gutsy, instinctive flying before remotely piloted aircraft and technology changed the way wars are fought in the air.
Bob Laymon, a friend and military historian, said Parr “inspired and motivated combat aviators and future Air Force leaders,” sharing his knowledge of flight theory and thermodynamics at speaking engagements and Friday night gatherings at the Randolph AFB officers' club.
“Nothing brought more joy to Col. Parr than to sit down next to a young captain in a Nomex flight suite and discuss energy-maneuverability during a dogfight,” Laymon said.
Ken Murray, a retired lieutenant colonel who spent months interviewing Parr for a biography set for release next year, called him an “amazing man” who often talked about “camaraderie, covering your wingman and the spirit of flight.”
“A steely-eyed true American patriot, fighter pilot and leader, he was the epitome of the greatest aviators and military officers this world will ever know,” Murray said.
(Excerpt) Read more at mysanantonio.com ...
RIP.
Freep-mail me to get on or off my pro-life and Catholic List:
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RIP Ralph...
Low and slow.
He was the Vice Wing Commander at the 12th TFW at Cam Rahn Bay when I was a young 2/Lt on Hon Tre Island as Portcall 24.
That the children of many of these very tough guys had a difficult life, is a most unspoken part of our history. I suspect that some great novels are waiting to be written about this topic.
That is really a great photo. Never saw that one before.
thanks!
The Air Force Cross citation is worth a read.
Rest In Peace, Col. Parr.
Roger that! Always think of Harry Brubaker and "Bridges at Toko Ri" with that one.....It was one of the first movie I saw as a kid where the good guy dies at the end of the movie. Really made an impression on me...
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