Joseph Lee Van Fleet Jr
MilitaryThe Van Fleet Family
Joe was a sweet, loving and humble man who saw his military service and time in combat as simply having done his part. His 35 combat missions over Germany and his post combat flying service in theater exemplified his willingness to step forward when needed, regardless of the danger or risk.
He continued flying after the war and accumulated over 50 years of flying experience without a single accident. In 2014, Joe was recognized by the FAA with the coveted "Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award" for his flying accomplishments. He flew numerous propeller and jet aircraft in his flying career including many years as pilot for the King Ranch in Texas, and corporate jet pilot for the Exxon.
Joe had a warm smile for every person he met, and he loved and was deeply loved by his family, his three grand daughters and three great-grandsons. His love of flying was second only to his love of family and his beloved Elaine to whom he was married for, as he described it, "...for 65 wonderful years."
Once when speaking with Joe about his combat experience, I asked him about the dangers of flying in formation while under attack from numerous German fighters, and with so many other B-17s filling the air with thousands of .50 caliber bullets. "Considering the heat of battle," I asked, "how in the world did you guys keep from shooting each other?!?"
He just smiled and softly chuckled, "Oh, it was a problem." As was typical of Joe, he simply saw those horrific conditions as a necessary danger that he had to confront.
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Units served with
People
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 305th Bomb Group
- Service Numbers: 18029120
- Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
- Role/Job: Top Turret Gunner
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 305th Bomb Group
- Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
- Role/Job: Navigator
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