John Taylor, Jr. Major General

(January 14, 1924 – January 15, 2019)

John E. Taylor, Jr., Major General, USAF Retired passed away January 15, 2019. He was born January 14, 1924 in Springfield, Massachusetts. Survived by brother Howard Taylor, daughter Elaine J. Greenwood, son Eric R. Taylor, and grandson. Upon completion of flight school, General Taylor began his Air Force career in 1943 in Honington, Suffolk England flying P-51’s in WWII. After the war, he flew P-51s in the Indiana Air National Guard, which was activated for duty during the Korean-war, where he flew the P-51, F-84 and F-86, completing 250 combat missions; the most of any U.S. pilot. At the end of the Korean War, he returned to the Indiana ANG, eventually transferring to the 121st TFW, Ohio ANG to fly F-100s. The 121st was activated in January 1968 during the Pueblo Crisis. During this period, LT. Col. Taylor was appointed Commander of the Kansas 127th TFS at Kunsan AB, Korea, and also flew F-100 combat missions with units deployed to South Vietnam. Following the deactivation of the 127th in June 1969, Lt Col Taylor transferred to the Air Force Reserve as Commander of the 507th TFG at Tinker AFB, Oklahoma City, OK. A few months later, promoted to Colonel, Taylor became Commander of the 301st Fighter Wing at Carswell AFB, which included the 507th TFG at Tinker AFB, and 508th TFG at Hill AFB, Ogden, Utah, all flying the F-105 Thunderchief. While at the 301st, he was promoted to Brigadier General. In 1977 Taylor was appointed 10th AF Commander at Bergstrom AB and Promoted to Major General. Taylor Retired to his farm in Bluffdale in 1984. Medals and Awards: Air Force Distinguished Service Award, Silver Star, Legion of Merit 2 oak leaf clusters, Distinguished Flying Cross with 3 oak leaf clusters, Legion of Merit with 2 oak leaf clusters, Airman’s Medal with 2 Silver and 3 Bronze oak leaf clusters, Bronze Star. Purple Heart, Air Medal with 13 oak leaf clusters