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Today in History – July 29, 1952 – RB-45 Tornado makes first non-stop trans-Pacific flight.

29 July 1952 –  A USAF RB-45 Tornado makes the first non-stop trans-Pacific flight, having been refueled twice by KB-29s along the way. The North American B-45 Tornado was an early American jet-powered bomber designed and manufactured by aircraft company North American Aviation. It has the distinction of being the first operational jet bomber to enter

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Gentry, Russell O.

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Russell Owen Gentry

Preferred Name: Russ
Date of Birth: February 20, 1938
Highest Military Grade: 0-3 – Captain
Hometown: Tulsa, OK
Headed West Date: March 23, 2023
russell-gentry-before
russell-gentry-now
Biography
Pilot Information
Headed West
Album

Russ Gentry flew the F-100 as an IP, He also flew the C-133 and C-47.

He then went to work for Trans World Airlines flying the Connie F/E, and as Captain of a B-707 F/E, L-1011, B-767/B-757/B747 F/O.

Units Assigned

  • 39 ATS
  • 1A CW
  • 119th Tactical Fighter Squadron
  • 355th Tactical Fighter Squadron

Awards & Decorations

Distinguished Flying Cross
Distinguished Flying Cross

Flight Info

F-100
C-133
C-47
Connie F/E
B-707 F/E
L-1011
B-767
B-757
B747 F/O

Military & Civilian Education

Military Education:

  • Aviation Cadets

Russell O. Gentry, USAF, “Headed West” on March 23, 2023.

Russell Owen Gentry passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 23, 2023, surrounded by his wife, Mavis, and family.

“Russ” was born on Feb. 20, 1938, in San Antonio, Texas. He moved to Tulsa, Okla., at the age of 2, with his father, Jay L. Gentry (U.S. Army Air Corps) and his mother, Ethel E. Gentry (both deceased). It was also here his only sibling, Katherine, was born (also deceased) and was the place he discovered his passion for flying leading to a career in the U.S Air Force.

He flew many missions, including in Vietnam, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross, which he humbly accepted. Following nine years of military service, he joined Trans World Airlines and retired as Captain Russell Owen Gentry, flying the 747.

His retirement years were spent in Florida, and he finally settled in Pinehurst, with his wife, Mavis.

A private cremation has been held.

The family respectfully request no floral tributes, but if desired donations may be made to Parkinson Research online at APDA The American Parkinson Disease Research Association or by calling (800) 223-2732.

Online condolences may be made to www.bolesfuneralhome.com.

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Gentry, Russ
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