Posted on 12/10/2003 9:09:21 AM PST by SLB
William S. Rader
1914-2003
William S. Rader, 89, an Air Force brigadier general who flew missions over Europe and the Pacific during World War II, died of cardiac arrest Nov. 5 at his home in Alexandria, Va., where he had lived for 35 years.
Gen. Rader was born May 21, 1914, in Wheeling, W.Va. In high school, he was an Olympic diving contender on the Pittsburgh Aquatic Team. He received a football scholarship to Wittenberg University, Springfield, Ohio. He then joined the Army Air Corp. He received his degree in military science from the University of Maryland. He also graduated from the Air War College.
Gen. Rader flew 17 reconnaissance flights over the Pacific during the Battle of Midway. On one mission, which lasted more than 17 hours, his aircraft was so badly damaged by Japanese guns, it was unable to complete the return to Hawaii. He and his crew were forced to ditch the damaged plane 100 miles from Hawaii and clung to a half-inflated life raft in 30-foot seas for 18 hours before they were rescued.
Mr. Rader led the first daylight, deep penetration raid into Lille France - far beyond the limited range of early fighter escorts.
His combat record includes the campaigns of Northern France, Normandy, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsac, Central Europe, Air offensive Europe, and Hawaii.
His decorations and awards include: the Silver Star, American Defense medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign, World War II Victory medal, European-African-Mediterranean Campaign medal, Air Force Longevity Services Award and many others.
In 1959, Mr. Rader became Division Commander of the 13th Strategic Missile Division at Francis E. Warren Air Force Base. Strategic Air Command began Operation Looking Glass in 1961 during the Cold War. Looking Glass provided that a modified Boeing 707 was in the air 24 hours a day in order to direct bombers and missiles should ground command centers become inoperable. Mr. Rader logged nearly 10,000 hours as airborne flag officer of the nuclear command post.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, retired Air Force Maj. Stephanie C. Rader of Alexandria; a sister, Eileen Schuler of Ft. Myers, Fla; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:45 a.m. Jan. 6 at Fort Myer Chapel. Interment will follow with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery followed by a reception at the Fort Myer's Officers Club.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to The Mighty 8th Air Force Museum, PO Box 1992, Savannah, GA 31402.
A fitting memorial.
Our Eyes In The Sky
On a day long ago
In a far-away land,
You rose to the skies
To obey a command.While we who were here
In our safe, secure place,
Never knew of the danger,
Never knew what you'd face.We live in a land
That today is still free,
Who can measure the gift
To mankind and to me?Our "Eyes in the Sky",
Looking down from above,
We hope you can see
What you gave us in love.On a day long ago,
In a far-away land,
When you rose to the skies
To obey a command.Chrystal Krueger Sinn, June, 1997
Godspeed to this good man.
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