Stephen L. Bettinger

Stephen L. Bettinger (April 28, 1924 – December 4, 2010) was a United States Air Force flying ace during the Korean War, credited with shooting down five enemy aircraft.[1][2][3]

Stephen L. Bettinger
Born(1924-04-28)April 28, 1924
Newark, New Jersey
DiedDecember 4, 2010(2010-12-04) (aged 86)
Kirkland, Washington
AllegianceUnited States
Service/branchUnited States Army Air Forces
United States Air Force
Years of service1942–1973
RankColonel
Battles/warsWorld War II
Korean War
AwardsSilver Star
Legion of Merit
Distinguished Flying Cross (3)
Bronze Star Medal
Air Medal (7)
Air Force Commendation Medal
Croix de guerre (France)

Bettinger also claimed 1 kill in World War II.[1] He was the final American ace of the Korean War with his final victory claimed on July 20, 1953. He was subsequently shot down and taken prisoner.[4]

See also

References

  1. Varhola 2000, p. 42
  2. Gurney 1958, p. 248
  3. "Stephen L. Bettinger". Tributes. Retrieved 16 January 2016.
  4. Varhola 2000, p. 43

Sources

  • Gurney, Gene (1958), Five Down and Glory: A History of the American Air Ace, New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons, ISBN 0-405-03764-3 (1972 Arno Press edition)
  • Varhola, Michael J. (2000), Fire and Ice: The Korean War, 1950–1953, Mason City, IA: Da Capo Press, ISBN 978-1-882810-44-4
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