Norman C. Gaddis

Norman Gaddis received his commission as a 2d Lt in the U.S. Army Air Forces on November 20, 1944. Gaddis flew P-40 Warhawk and P-51 Mustang fighters and went into the reserves in October 1945. He was recalled to active duty and served with the 86th Fighter Wing in West Germany until March 1952, flying the P-47 Thunderbolt and F-84 Thunderjet fighters. Gaddis then transferred to the 31st Fighter Wing at Turner AFB, Georgia, and during this time he participated in the first jet fighter crossing of the Pacific Ocean. General Gaddis next flew F-86 Sabre and F-84F Thunderstreak fighters with the 81st Fighter Wing at RAF Bentwaters, England, and then served at Headquarters U.S. Air Forces in Europe. In May 1957, he was assigned to the 450th Fighter Wing, where he flew F-100C Super Sabre fighters at Foster AFB, Texas, and then as an instructor at the U.S. Air Force Fighter Weapons School, flying the F-100D and F at Nellis AFB, Nevada. He entered Air Command and Staff College and upon graduation in July 1961, he was assigned to Headquarters U.S. Air Force in the Directorate of Operations as a staff officer in the Tactical Division. In November 1966, General Gaddis began flying combat missions in Vietnam. He was forced to eject over North Vietnam while flying his 73rd combat mission on May 12, 1967.