Edward B. Giller facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Edward Bonfoy Giller
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| Born | July 8, 1918 Jacksonville, Illinois, United States |
| Died | October 1, 2017 (aged 99) Bernalillo, New Mexico, United States |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
United States Air Force |
| Years of service | 1941–1972 |
| Rank | Major General |
| Commands held | Air Force Special Weapons Center 343d Fighter Squadron |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards | Air Force Distinguished Service Medal Silver Star Legion of Merit (2) Distinguished Flying Cross (2) Purple Heart Air Medal (18) |
Edward Bonfoy Giller (born July 8, 1918 – died October 1, 2017) was an important major general in the United States Air Force (USAF). He worked as an assistant general manager for military projects. This was for the United States Atomic Energy Commission in Maryland. Giller also directed research for the Air Force Special Weapons Center. This center was located at Kirtland Air Force Base in the 1950s and 60s. He was also a key person for Project Orion.
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Early Life and Education
Edward Giller was born in Jacksonville, Illinois, on July 8, 1918. He grew up in White Hall, Illinois. For his last two years of high school, he attended Kemper Military School. In 1940, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree. This was in Chemical Engineering from the University of Illinois. Before World War II, he worked for Sinclair Oil Refining Company.
Hero in World War II
During World War II, Giller was a brave fighter pilot. He flew P-38J Lightning and P-51D Mustang planes. He was part of the 343d Fighter Squadron. All four of his Mustang planes were named "The Millie G". This was in honor of his wife, Mildred.
He was the commanding officer of the 343d Squadron. Later, he became the deputy commander of the 55th Fighter Group. Giller shot down three enemy planes. One of these was a Messerschmitt Me 262 jet over Munich in April 1945. He also destroyed six targets on the ground. He was wounded in April 1945. His plane was hit by anti-aircraft fire over Munich. Even with one arm injured, he flew for two hours back to the UK.
For his bravery, Giller received many awards. These included the Silver Star and the Legion of Merit. He also earned the Distinguished Flying Cross. He was given the Air Medal many times. The Purple Heart was awarded to him for being wounded. He also received the French Croix de Guerre.
Military Career After the War
After World War II, Giller continued his important work. From 1954 to 1959, he was a special assistant director. Later, he became the director of the Research Directorate. This was at the Air Force Special Weapons Center. It was located at Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico.
Project Orion: Space Travel Ideas
Major General Giller was the USAF liaison officer for Project Orion. This was a very interesting project. Scientists and engineers explored how to build a spacecraft. This spacecraft would be powered by nuclear explosions. The idea was to travel to distant planets like Mars. Giller helped connect the Air Force with this advanced research.
Later Life and Passing
Edward Giller passed away in October 2017. He was 99 years old. He was married to Mildred Schmidt for 69 years. She passed away in 2012. They had five children together.
Media Appearances
- To Mars by A-Bomb: The Secret History of Project Orion (BBC, 2003)
