Michael J. Ingelido facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Michael J. Ingelido
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| Birth name | Michael Joseph Ingelido |
| Born | November 20, 1916 Meriden, Connecticut, U.S. |
| Died | April 28, 2015 (aged 98) Colorado Springs, Colorado, U.S. |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Air Force |
| Years of service | 1941–1972 |
| Rank | Major General |
| Commands held | Fourteenth Aerospace Force 2nd Fighter Squadron 412th Fighter Squadron Vice Commander, Thirteenth Air Force, others below |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Cross, Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star with oak leaf cluster, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross with oak leaf cluster, the Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal with 20 oak leaf clusters, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Order of the British Empire, French Croix de Guerre with Palm, Belgian Croix de Guerre with Palm and Belgian Order of Leopold |
Michael Joseph Ingelido (born November 20, 1916 – died April 28, 2015) was a brave American Air Force leader. He became a Major General, which is a very high rank. He was in charge of the Fourteenth Aerospace Force, a special group that helped defend the skies over America.
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Early Life and Training
Michael Ingelido was born in 1916 in Meriden, Connecticut. He grew up and went to school in nearby Southington. He later graduated from the Teachers College of Connecticut in 1937. He earned a degree in education.
After college, he studied at Duke University and Yale University. He then worked as a teacher in Connecticut for three years. In February 1941, he joined the United States Army Air Corps. He trained to become a pilot. By September 1941, he had finished his training and became a second lieutenant.
World War II Hero
During World War II, Ingelido was a fighter pilot. He flew 195 combat missions in Europe. He piloted British Spitfire planes and American P-39 and P-47 fighter planes.
From 1942 to 1945, he led the 2nd Fighter Squadron and the 412th Fighter Squadron. He also commanded the 373rd Fighter Group. During this time, he shot down 12 German planes in the air. He also destroyed 10 German planes on the ground. This means he took out a total of 22 enemy aircraft.
In June 1944, after the Allied invasion of Europe, he led his group in attacks. They dive-bombed German forts in Brest, France. Even after his own plane was damaged, Ingelido stayed to guide other squadrons. They were having trouble finding their targets through the smoke. Because of his bravery, he received the Distinguished Service Cross. This is a very important award for military heroes.
Serving During the Cold War
After World War II ended, Ingelido continued his service. He commanded the 86th Fighter Group and the 70th Fighter Wing in Germany. In 1949, he returned to the United States. He worked with a special group that studied weapons systems in Washington, D.C.
In 1951, he worked at the Air Force Cambridge Research Center. He led the 6520th Test Wing there. Later, he became the vice commander of the center. He then attended the Air War College in Alabama, graduating in 1955.
From 1955 to 1957, he was in charge of operations for the Far East Air Forces in Tokyo, Japan. When this group moved to Hawaii, he stayed with them. He became the deputy assistant chief of staff for operations.
In 1959, he returned to the United States again. He attended the National War College in Washington, D.C., and finished in 1960. He then worked for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, which is a group of top military leaders. He was their secretary until 1964.
In 1964, he became the inspector general for the Air Defense Command. This meant he checked to make sure things were running correctly. In 1966, he became the vice commander of the Thirteenth Air Force. In 1967, he returned to the Aerospace Defense Command. Finally, in August 1969, he took command of the Fourteenth Aerospace Force. This was a very important leadership role.
Later Life and Legacy
Michael Ingelido retired from the Air Force on September 1, 1972. He was a brigadier general when he retired. He lived in Colorado Springs, Colorado until he passed away. In 2012, he celebrated his 70th wedding anniversary with his wife, Elinor Affinto Ingelido.
He died at his home on April 28, 2015, at the age of 98, after having a stroke. His wife, Elinor, lived almost another year. She passed away on February 18, 2016, at the age of 99.
Awards and Honors
Michael Ingelido received many awards for his brave service. These include:
- Distinguished Service Cross
- Distinguished Service Medal
- Silver Star with an oak leaf cluster
- Legion of Merit
- Distinguished Flying Cross with an oak leaf cluster
- Bronze Star Medal
- Air Medal with 20 oak leaf clusters
- Joint Service Commendation Medal
- Order of the British Empire (from the UK)
- French Croix de Guerre with Palm (from France)
- Belgian Croix de Guerre with Palm (from Belgium)
- Belgian Order of Leopold (from Belgium)
