George Lewis Slentz, Colonel, USAF (Ret.) Obituary (1923 - 2009)

SLENTZ, George L., Colonel, USAF (Ret.) died on 18 May 2009 at age 85. He was born in Toledo, OH, on 15 July 1923 and grew up in Rock Island, IL, where he graduated from high school and later from Augustana College. In 1942, he entered the Army Air Corps aviation cadet program and in April, 1944 was awarded pilot wings and commissioned a second lieutenant in the active reserves. He married his high school sweetheart, June Krueger, that same month in Marianna, Florida. He later flew 55 P-47 combat missions in France and Germany, including the Battle of the Bulge, while assigned to the 378th Squadron of the 362nd Fighter Group. After the war, he completed college and received a permanent commission in the Army Air Corp, serving 24 years in various flying, aerospace and administrative positions. In 1955, as a young Captain, he piloted the USAF's new F-100 Super-Sabre jet, and was certified into North American Aviation's Mach Buster's Club. He attended the AF Institute of Technology and the Armed Forces Staff College. He received his Command Pilot wings while stationed at LAAFS, Space & Missile Systems Division. While working in the Air Force Special Projects Office of the National Reconnaissance Organization, he received the USAF Master Missile Badge in recognition of his work in space and missiles. After retiring from the Air Force, he worked for TRW (aerospace) in California for 17 more years and retired for the second time in 1985. In the service of his country, CoI. Slentz received the Legion of Merit, Air Medal with 2 oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal with 1 oak leaf cluster, American Campaign Medal, Euro-African-Middle Eastern Campaign medal with 3 bronze battle stars, WWII Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal, National Defense Service Medal with 1 bronze service star, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with 4 oak leaf clusters, and Small Arms Expert Marksmanship. He is survived by his wife, June; daughter Laurie(Lairson)Lacourciere of Costa Mesa, CA; son Ed Slentz of Oro Valley, AZ; brother Robert Slentz of Sherrard, IL; and brother Ralph Slentz of Rock Island, IL. His sister, Virginia Peterson, preceded him in death. He also leaves 6 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, June 4, 2009 at 11 :00 AM at Vistoso Memorial Chapel, 2285 E. Rancho Vistoso Blvd. Oro Valley, AZ. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1636 N. Swan Rd., Tucson, AZ 85712 or Air Force Aid Society.