William Lyon (general) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Lyon
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| Born | March 9, 1923 Los Angeles, California, US |
| Died | May 22, 2020 (aged 97) Coto de Caza, California, US |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Air Force |
| Years of service | 1943–1978 |
| Rank | Major General |
| Awards | Order of the Sword, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Presidential Unit Citation, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Combat Readiness Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with hour glass device, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation |
William Lyon (March 9, 1923 – May 22, 2020) was a major general in the United States Air Force. He was a very important leader in the Air Force Reserve. This part of the Air Force is made up of people who serve part-time but can be called to full-time duty when needed.
General Lyon was in charge of the Air Force Reserve Command. He also advised the Air Force Chief of Staff on all matters related to the Reserve. This meant he was responsible for supervising Air Force Reserve units all over the world.
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William Lyon's Early Life and Military Career
William Lyon was born in Los Angeles, California, in 1923. Before joining the military, he studied at the University of Southern California. He also went to Dallas Aviation School and Air College to learn about flying.
Joining the Army Air Corps
In 1943, Lyon joined the U.S. Army Air Corps as a reservist. This was during World War II. He first worked as a civilian flight instructor. In June 1944, he became a flight officer.
Flying Missions in World War II
During World War II, Lyon was part of the 6th Ferrying Group. His job was to fly aircraft to different war zones, including the Pacific and European areas. In 1945, he moved to the North African Division of the Air Transport Command. He returned to the United States in 1946.
Post-War Service and Korea
In 1947, Lyon became a second lieutenant. He continued to serve in various Reserve roles. In 1951, he was called back to active duty. He worked as a staff pilot at Headquarters Air Training Command. Later, he joined the Military Air Transport Service. He flew missions to transport injured people and ferry aircraft.
In 1953, he volunteered to serve in Korea during the Korean War. He flew 75 combat missions in C-46 and C-47 planes.
Leadership Roles in the Air Force Reserve
From 1954 to 1963, Lyon held different positions in the Reserve. He was a flight commander and an operations officer. In 1963, he became the commander of the 929th Tactical Airlift Squadron at March Air Force Base in California. He later commanded the larger 943d Tactical Airlift Group.
In the 1970s, Lyon continued to take on important leadership roles:
- In 1970, he became an assistant to the commander at Sacramento Air Materiel Area.
- In 1972, he moved to a similar role at Fifteenth Air Force.
- In 1974, he was appointed assistant to the commander in chief of Strategic Air Command. Here, he helped plan how KC-135 units would move to the Reserve Forces.
- In April 1975, Lyon was called to active duty to become the chief of Air Force Reserve in Washington, D.C.
General Lyon was a highly skilled pilot. He earned many military awards for his service. These included the Legion of Merit and the Distinguished Flying Cross. He was promoted to major general on April 24, 1974. He retired from the Air Force on April 16, 1979.
William Lyon's Other Work
After his military career, William Lyon became a successful businessman.
Real Estate and Banking
In 1954, he started his own real estate company called William Lyon Homes Inc. This company was based in Newport Beach, California. He also helped start the Commercial Bank of California. His son, William H. Lyon, now leads the real estate business.
Lyon Air Museum
William Lyon also founded the Lyon Air Museum. This museum is located near the John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California. It displays many historic aircraft and vehicles.
Images for kids
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Major General William Lyon
