With a private license, Norman ('Bud') joined the Army Air Force in January 1942, went through flight training and graduated with Class 43-A. Was one of the first pilots of the newly formed 354th FS, built fighter time in the P-40 and P-47, sailed for England in July 1943. Scored a Stuka on D-Day, became an ace 20 July 44 with an Me-109 near Munich. Flew 113 missions for 457 combat hours in two tours and commanded the 354th FS as it joined the occupation forces in Augsburg, Germany. Returned home in late 1945. Recalled in December 1947 to fly in the Berlin Airlift. Retired as Lt. Col. in 1964 to become elementary school teacher & principal



4 DFC/ AM w/ 14 Oak Leaf Cluster/ Croix de Guerre



5.83 air, 6 ground (1 Me109 shared with two other pilots for .33 credit; 1 Me109 shared with one other pilot for .50 credit)