Ledyard Long

West Point, 1951

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Jose Andres "Andy" Chacon on September 1, 2004:

Ledyard Long, Jr. Born February 17, 1929 - Died August 25, 2002 Ledyard "Led" Long, Jr. was born in New York on 17 February 1929 and was appointed to West Point from the 13th Congressional District of Illinois. His West Point classmates recall: "Led came to these grey walls via Stewart Field after spending eight months with the Armored Force at Fort Knox where he obtained the proud rank of pfc. Plenty of brains added to a bubbling personality and a charming way with the ladies have made him more than a match for the rigors of West Point life. He looks forward in anticipation to service with the pride of the ground forces, the Infantry." During his cadet days Led was with the Pistol and Spanish Clubs all four years; with the Handball Club first class year; and was a Cadet Sergeant his first class year. Upon graduation Led surprised everyone and went in the Air Force and after flying training reported to the 6167th Air Base Group in Korea in 1953 and was decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross for distinguished heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight and three Air Medals for meritorious achievement beyond that normally expected, while participating in aerial flight. From 1960 to 1962 Led served with the 56 Weather Reconnaissance Squadron and from 1962 to 1964 with the 15th Weather Squadron. From 1964 to 1966 Led attended the University of Saint Louis and then from 1966 to 1968 served with the 35th Weather Squadron. From 1968 to 1970 Led served with the Western Aero Special Rest and Recreation Center and then was assigned to the 497th Tactical Fighter Squadron in Thailand where he served until 1971 and was decorated with two additional Distinguished Flying Crosses for distinguished heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight; and 13 additional Air Medals for meritorious achievement beyond that normally expected, while participating in aerial flight. Led's last military assignment was with the 307th Tactical Fighter Squadron in Spain and served until 1974 when he retired from the United States Air Force as a Major. Led made his home in White Stone, Virginia. The March 1991 Assembly noted, "Led Long reports that since open heart surgery nearly two years ago, he has changed his lifestyle - he feels good and is leading an active life." Led died on August 25, 2002. Click to find out what makes Fly Boys tick Air Force Values ufa

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