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

1. "JOHN J. PESCH". Bangor Daily News. 13 Jan 2010. Retrieved 31 Dec 2011.
2. "Active Major Command and ANG Leaders" (PDF), Air Force Magazine, Air Force Association, p. 106, May 2011, retrieved 20 December 2011
3. "Safety is a top priority" (PDF). Retrieved 23 Dec 2011.
4. "Safety Testimonials". Retrieved 23 Dec 2011.
5. "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

• Former ANG director passes away at 88