Lt. Colonel Jack Oberhansly, from Spanish Fork, Utah, was commissioned and received his wings on 12 December 1941 at Luke Field, Phoenix Arizona. He joined the 14th Pursuit Group, 48th Pursuit Squadron. He later transferred to the 78th Fighter Group, 82nd Squadron on 1 May 1942. He became the Commanding Officer of the 82nd Squadron on 7 August 1943 to May 1944. He then became Deputy Commanding Officer of the 78th Fighter Group in August 1944. Assigned to the 4th Fighter Group as Deputy Commanding Officer on 4 December 1944.The next day he became acting Group Commander. He spent the next three months with the 4th Fighter Group during a period of little activity.
In February 1945 he was transferred to the 372nd Fighter Group as Commanding Officer.
Oberhansly, with 150 combat hours in his plane “Iron Ass” had nine victories, and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with three Oak Leaf Clusters, the Air Medal with five Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Croix-de-Guerre with Palm.
After the war ended, he served as Commanding Officer of the 191st Fighter Squadron of the Utah Air National Guard from 1946 10 1948.
He died on 6 September 1981.
We honor you, Jack Oberhansly.
(#Repost @American Air Museum in Britain)