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World War II Triple Ace DiesMarch 28, 2008
Richmond Times - Dispatch
Lt. Gen. Gordon M. Graham logged more than 9,000 flying hours during his career in the Air Force.
But Graham's first flying experience came while he was working as a teenager at an airport in California in the early 1930s. Told one payday there wasn't enough money to pay him, he accepted an offer of a flying lesson instead, said his wife of 40 years, Vivian Fox Graham of Irvington.
That first experience piloting a plane became a passion for Graham, who destruction of at least 16 enemy planes during World War II made him a triple ace.
"He had a fantastic career. It was far more exciting and interesting than anything else," his wife said.
Graham, who retired from the Air Force in 1973 as commander of the 6th Allied Tactical Air Force in Izmir, Turkey, died Saturday at Rappahannock Westminster-Canterbury after suffering a stroke in February. He was 90.
He was born in Ouray, Colo., and grew up in Taft, Calif. He graduated from the University of California at Berkeley -- where he was a lightweight Golden Glove champion -- with a bachelor's in petroleum engineering. He joined the military in December 1940 and received his wings in August 1941.
By the end of World War II, he had flown 73 combat missions in P-51 Mustang fighter planes. He also saw combat in Korea and Vietnam, being credited with more than 1,000 combat hours in fighters.
During his career, he held various posts in the Air Force and received 55 decorations and service awards, including the Distinguished Service Medal and Silver Star.
Proud of those honors, Graham displayed them in a framed box on a wall, his wife said.
After leaving the military, Graham worked for McDonnell Douglas Corp., first as president of its Tokyo office and then as corporate vice president in Washington.
Upon retiring in 1983, Graham and his wife moved to the Northern Neck, where he volunteered with the rescue squad, the free health clinic and the Animal Welfare League.
In 1996, he published an autobiography, "Double for Down: Anecdotes of a Fighter Pilot."
In addition to his wife, survivors include two daughters, Eloise Graham Brooks of McLean and Helen Huntingdon Stubbs of Merritt Island, Fla.; a son, Gordon Alexander Elting Graham of Gig Harbor, Wash.; two stepsons, Robert Earl Fairbairn of Williamsburg and Donald Boyce Fairbairn of Darnestown, Md.; 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
A memorial service is scheduled for April 4 at 11 a.m. at Campbell Memorial Presbyterian Church, 3712 Weems Road, in Weems. Burial will be July 8 at 1 p.m. at Arlington National Cemetery.