Received from Pappy Cole

 

William L. Blanchard, my Radar Operator on my first deployment to Japan, January 1950, passed away November 12th, 2007. He was 86 years old.   

In 1949, he was assigned to my crew as my Radar Operator. We were then transferred to  Barksdale as the 343rd SRSqdn. 55th SR Wing. Bill accompanied me on my first overseas deployment to Yokota , Japan . He and my two Navigators made a good team as I recall.

Upon return to the ZI, we were notified of the beginning of the Korean War during

a fuel stop in Hawaii . (June 25, 1950, My Birthday). Our orders were to proceed

to Barksdale AFB ASAP. Bill resigned soon after arrival for family reasons. Some time later

he was returned to active duty.

His survivors are his Wife Norene residing at 1738 Chart Dr. , Crosby , TX 77532-4939 ,four children, eight grand children, and seven Great Grand Children