Stephen L. Bettinger

Stephen L. Bettinger
Born (1924-04-28)April 28, 1924
Newark, New Jersey
Died December 4, 2010(2010-12-04) (aged 86)
Kirkland, Washington
Allegiance United States
Service/branch 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)

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]

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. 1 2 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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