LugerForum Discussion Forums - View Single Post - WW1 pilots with Iron Cross and Luger Photo

Ron Smith · 06-26-2004, 08:49 AM

Geo, Actually the US did have NCO pilots. My Father-in-Law was a Staff Sgt in the Oregon Nat'l Guard when the US declared war. He volunteered for what then was called the Sargeant Pilot Program. He was sent to flight school in Chicago. And was assigned to a C-47 Squadron. At some point thereafter they were all commissioned. He retired as a LtCol.The highest rank he could achive, without going to OCS or West Point. Not sure how long the program was in effect.

Ron

06-26-2004, 08:49 AM	#11
Ron Smith User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Orygun Posts: 4,243 Thanks: 118 Thanked 245 Times in 150 Posts	Geo, Actually the US did have NCO pilots. My Father-in-Law was a Staff Sgt in the Oregon Nat'l Guard when the US declared war. He volunteered for what then was called the Sargeant Pilot Program. He was sent to flight school in Chicago. And was assigned to a C-47 Squadron. At some point thereafter they were all commissioned. He retired as a LtCol.The highest rank he could achive, without going to OCS or West Point. Not sure how long the program was in effect. Ron __________________ I Still Need DWM side plate #49... if anyone runs across a nice one. What ~Rudyard Kipling~ said...