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Today in History – September 21, 1956 – Test pilot Tom Attridge shoots himself down in F-11F

21 September 1956 – Grumman company test pilot Tom Attridge shoots himself down in a Grumman F-11F Tiger, BuNo 138260, during a Mach 1.0 20 degree dive from 22,000 feet. Tom fires two bursts from the fighter’s 20mm cannon during the descent, and as he reaches 7,000 feet (2,100 m) the jet is struck multiple

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Russell, John P.

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  • Russell, John P.

John P. Russell

Preferred Name: John
Nickname/Call Sign: Deacon
Date of Birth: April 22, 1929
Highest Military Grade: 0-7 – Brigadier General
Hometown: Mill Creek, WV
Biography
Pilot Information

After retirement in 1980, we moved to Abilene, TX and became involved in oil field activities and real estate development. I served as chapter president of The Retired Officers Association; chapter and state president of Texas Air Force Association; and, held leadership positions in local civic activities to include the United Methodist Church.

In 1996, we moved back to Mill Creek, WV.

Through the years, I joined with other volunteers in the construction of a regional library and a medical clinic.

I have also been involved in property improvements of the Mill Creek Presbyterian Church.

Beginning in 2002, Elaine and I spend the months of November to April in central Florida, away from West Virginia’s snowy winters.

Units Assigned

  • 1952-1953 36th Fighter Bomber Squadron/8th Tactical Fighter Wing, Suwon, Korea (F-86)
  • 1954-1962 614th Tactical Fighter Squadron/401st Tactical Fighter Wing, England AFB, LA (F-84, F-100)
  • 1962-1963 Army CGSC, Fort Leavenworth, KS (C-47, U-3B)
  • 1963-1965 AGOS, TAWC, Hurlburt and Eglin AFB (T-33)
  • 1965-1966 388th Tactical Fighter Wing, Korat AB, Thailand (F-105)
  • 1966-1969 HQ PACAF, Hickam AFB, HI (T-33)
  • 1969-1971 365th Tactical Fighter Squadron/354th Tactical Fighter Wing, Myrtle Beach, SC (A-7)
  • 1971-1972 Air War College, Maxwell AFB, AL (T-33)
  • 1972-1973 31st Tactical Fighter Wing/33rd Tactical Fighter Wing, Eglin & Homestead, FL (F-4)
  • 1973-1975 388th Tactical Fighter Wing, Korat AB, Thailand (A-7)
  • 1975-1977 HQ PACAF, Hickam AFB, HI
  • 1977-1979 HQ TAC, Langley AFB, VA
  • 1979-1980 HQ US Strike Command, MacDill AFB, FL
  • 7/1/1980 Retired USAF

Awards & Decorations

Legion Of Merit
Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Cluster
Distinguished Flying Cross
Distinguished Flying Cross
Bronze Star
Bronze Star
Meritorious Service Award
Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster
Air Medal
Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster
Air Force Commendation Medal
Air Force Commendation Medal

Flight Info

F-86
F-84
F-100
C-47
U-3B
T-33
F-105
A-7
F-4

Military & Civilian Education

Military Education:

  • USAF Survival School
  • Squadron Officer School

Civilian Education:

  • 1951 BA/West Virginia University

Wall of Honor Location

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The mission of the Super Sabre Society is to preserve the history of the F-100 Super Sabre and the men who flew the aircraft.

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