Robert L. Cass, Sr.
In Colonel Cass’s words “It was my distinct honor over the years, to serve side by side with the dedicated men and women of the United States Air force. These dedicated volunteers are today, as they have done for decades in the past, continuing to guard our freedoms; they are sworn to help preserve our way of life in these great United States of America and they do so with pride and professionalism.”
Robert L. Cass (Col USAF, Ret) “Headed West” on February 11, 2017
SSS member Robert Lesley Cass December 15, 1929-February 11, 2017 (age 87) was born in Colorado Springs, CO.
Bob is survived by his loving wife Phyllis Minerva Cass of Mount Dora; sons Rob (Natliie) Cass, Jr. of Tavares and Stephen Cass of Atlanta, GA.; one grandchild Darian Cass of Tavares.
Bob won his pilot’s wings in the USAF Flying Training Class of 51-G and flew combat in Korea, 49th Fighter Group – 8th Tactical Fighter Squadron. 125 Combat missions in the F-84 in 1953, and later was a Fighter Weapons School (Top Gun) instructor in 1959.
Bob was selected for the USAF Thunderbird Demonstration team in 1960 (Video at this link) and flew Right Wing and was operations officer through 1962 in the F-100C.
He then Commanded the 497th (Nite Owls) in the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing in 1969 and flew 177 Combat missions during the Vietnam Conflict in the F-4 and later Commanded the 78th TFS, 81stTFW Bentwaters/Woodbridge, England.
Moving back to THE US he commanded the 497th Tactical Fighter Wing at Moody AFB Georgia — converting the wing from the Training Command mission to Tactical Air Command.
Units Assigned
- USAF Flying Training Class of 51-G
- 1953 49th Fighter Group/8th Tactical Fighter Squadron (125 Combat missions), Korea (F-84)
- 1959 Fighter Weapons School (Top Gun) instructor
- 1960-1962 USAF Thunderbird Demonstration team, Right Wing (F-100C)
- 1969 497th TFS (Nite Owls)/8th Tactical Fighter Wing, Commander, (177 Combat missions during the Vietnam Conflict) (F-4)
- 78th Tactical Fighter Squadron/81st Tactical FighterWing, Commander, Bentwaters/Woodbridge, England
- 497th Tactical Fighter Wing, Commander, Moody AFB, GA
Awards & Decorations
Flight Info
F-84
F-100C
F-4
Military & Civilian Education