 Bill
Getz enjoyed a long and distinguished career as an Air
Force pilot and officer.
After his combat tour in the 491st Bomb Group ended, he
volunteered to extend his combat tour and become a P-51
Mustang pilot. He was one of the first multi-role pilots
in the 8th Air Force…perhaps before multi-role was
even a defined term.
After serving as aircraft commander of the B-24 Phantom
Brigade — he and his crew completed their 31 combat
missions in just 69 days — Getz was the youngest
ex-bomber pilot P-51 scout in the 8th Air Force. He was
also its youngest four-engine bomber crew commander and
youngest flight leader.
 He completed two combat tours and was promoted to Captain
before he could legally drink or vote. He flew his last
combat mission the day after his 21st birthday.
He was awarded two Distinguished Flying Crosses, seven
Air Medals, a Presidential Unit Citation and the European
Theater Ribbon with six combat stars.
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