Louis L. Wilson Jr.

Biography

Louis L. Wilson, Jr., Ret. General USAF Died peacefully, June 25, 2010, in Tucson, AZ. Louis was born in Huntington, WV, January 11, 1919.

He graduated from Hurricane High School in West Virginia, after which he attended Greenbriar Military School in Lewisberg, WV.
He received his appointment to the United States Military Academy, West Point, NY in 1939 and was graduated early, January 1943, due to the War.
His initial assignment was with the 385th Fighter Group as a P-47 pilot, flying bomber support leading up to and including D-Day and later flying support for Gen. Patton’s drive through France.

By the end of the War, he had flown 114 combat missions and was commander of the 367th Fighter Squadron.
Louis finished his military career as the Commander and Chief of the Pacific Air Force, 1974-1977. From headquarters in Hickam Air Force Base, HI, he commanded all of the forces of the Pacific basin and organized and executed the evacuation of military and U.S. civilian personnel from Vietnam at the end of that conflict.

Lesser known was the evacuation of over 2000 orphaned children, know as Operation Baby Lift, to new adoptive parents in the U.S. During his very distinguished career he had the opportunity to travel the globe and meet dignitaries of many countries.
His favorites were Bob Hope and Jane Mansfield, whom he entertained on one of their USO tours.

After 35 years of military service, he retired May 31, 1977 to a small ranch in Tucson, AZ where he was able to fulfill his childhood dream of raising horses and cattle.

He has been very active in his community, loving the sun, the warmth, his family and his many friends that surround him.
He is preceded in death by Anita Ward Wilson, his wife and companion of 55 years and his son, Bobby Lynn Grey. He is survived by his son, Locke Wilson and five grandchildren, Molly, Dylan, Bobby Jr, August and Adria.