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 | April 28, 1924 Newark, New Jersey |
| Died | December 4, 2010 (aged 86) Kirkland, Washington |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service | United States Army Air Forces United States Air Force |
| Years of service | 1942–1973 |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Battles / wars | World War II Korean War |
| Awards | Silver 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
editReferences
edit- ^ a b Varhola 2000, p. 42
- ^ Gurney 1958, p. 248
- ^ "Stephen L. Bettinger". Tributes. Retrieved 16 January 2016.
- ^ Varhola 2000, p. 43
Sources
edit- 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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