William E. Eisenhart Biography

William E. Eisenhart Biography

Thomas J. Quinn Crew 359th William E. Eisenhart Crew

I enlisted in March 1942 and went to Airplane Mechanics School at Chanute Field, Illinois, then to Pilot Training, graduating as a Flight Officer in April 1943. I went on to B-17 training on Flight Officer Thomas J. Quinn's crew. We were then en route to Molesworth, arriving there in August. I was credited with 42 missions as Copilot, Pilot, Operations Officer and then Squadron Commander of the 359th Bomb Squadron.

I returned to a civilian job in July 1945 with the Seiberling Rubber Company. I was recalled to active duty in October 1948. I served most of my remaining 32 years in the Strategic Air Command and flew 42 B-52 and KC-135 missions during 1971-72. I flew as the Airborne Commander from U-Tapao, Thailand for two of the "Christmas War" Linebacker II missions. I retired as Base Commander from Rhine Main Air Base, Germany in October 1976 and formally retired from the USAF at MacDill AFB in January 1977.

I attended the first 303rd BGA reunion in Orlando in 1975 while on active duty. Golf, bridge and traveling have been our major activities in retirement, along with strongly supporting the military and in particular, the Air Force.

Elected to following 303rd BGA positions: 30 August 1975 - 2nd Vice Chairman; 27 August 1977 - 1st Vice President; 25 August 1979 - President; 22 August 1981 - Board of Directors member; 359th BS Representative - 21 September 1991 to 11 October 1999.

Retired as Colonel after 32 years USAF Active Duty Service