Robert Aitken “Bob” Rushworth (October 9, 1924 – March 18, 1993[1]) was an American United States Air Force major general, World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War pilot, mechanical and aeronautical engineer, test pilot and Astronaut. He was...
Read More“Edward J. “Ed” Haerter served in the United States Air Force from January 1955 through June 1988. Haerter graduated from the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) in 1960 and deployed during the Laotian Crisis later that year. In 1961, he was sent to Craig Air Force Base near Selma, Alabama for pilot training. After graduating first in his class he was able to choose his next assignment and selected F-100s in order to be a fighter pilot. He was next sent to Luke Air Force Base in Phoenix, Arizona for training on the F-100, followed by George Air Force Base in Victorville, California to be trained on the F-105. In 1964, he deployed to Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany before he applied for a transfer to Truax Field in Madison. At Truax he was a part of the 10th Air Division, serving as a Fighter Officer.
In 1967, Haerter opted out of active duty and took a job as a pilot for Trans World Airlines (TWA), but shortly after joined the Air Guard in Iowa. As part of the 174th Tactical Fighter Squadron (TFS), he deployed to Vietnam and landed at Phu Cat Air Base in April of 1968, where he went on to complete 194 combat missions.
Haerter came home in April of 1969 and left the Guard to return to TWA, only to join an Illinois Guard Unit a year later. He stayed with that unit until his retirement in 1988, having attained the rank of Brigadier General. He later settled in Madison, Wisconsin.” (1)
Source: wisvetsmuseum.org
Units Assigned
- 1961-1962 Craig AFB Pilot Training
- 1962-1963 Luke AFB, F-100 Gunnery School (F-100)
- 1963 Nellis AFB, F-105 checkout (F-105)
- 1963-1964 354th TFS, George AFB, CA (F-105)
- 1964-1966 Spangdahlem AB Germany (F-105)
- 1966-1967 Truax AFB, WI, Fighter Officer, 20AD (T-33)
- 1967-1969 Iowa ANG, Sioux City IA (F-100)
- 1968-1969 Phu Cat AB, RVN (F-100)
- 1970-1988 126th AFW, O’Hare IAP, Chicago, IL (KC-97, KC-135)
- 1988 Retired USAF
Awards & Decorations

Silver Star

Distinguished Flying Cross (4)

Air Medal (10)
Flight Info
T-33
F-100
F-105
KC-97
KC-135
194 Combat missions
Military & Civilian Education
Military Education:
- USAF Academy
- SOS
- ACS
- AWC
- ICAF
Civilian Education:
- High School