October, 1965

Col. John H. Statts Commander, 17^th Troop Carrier Squadron

Col. John Hull Statts, USAF Ret., 89, of Gastonia, NC, died March 2, 2008. He was a native of Elmira, NY, and was the son of the late Albert Joseph and Mary Elizabeth Hull Statts. After a thirty year military career beginning in the Royal Canadian Air Force, he retired in ceremonies at Headquarters, Southern Communications Area (AFCS). He was presented the Meritorious Service Medal having served as South Comm's deputy chief of staff for flight facilities since July 1967. Colonel Statts began his military career in August, 1941, as one of many American members of the RCAF. Following Pearl Harbor he transferred to the U.S. Army and joined the aviation cadet program in September 1942. During WWII, he flew 70 B-26 missions over Europe. One of his most interesting assignments was as commander of the 17th Troop Carrier Squadron from 1962-66. The 17th flies the only ski-equipped C-130s in the Air Force and has a unique mission of supplying stations on the Arctic ice cap. Colonel Statts received many medals and decorations during his career including the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Combat Air Medal. After retiring he acquired his Masters degree in History. Services: Arlington National Cemetery, Military Honors by the United States Air Force Honor Guard. Interment: Arlington National Cemetery, Plot: Sec: 54, Site: 990, Arlington, VA.