Steve Pisanos

American flying ace (1919-2016)

Steve Pisanos (born Spiros Pisanos; Greek: Σπύρος Πίσανος του Νικολάου και της Αθηνάς; November 10, 1919 – June 6, 2016)[1] was an American USAF Colonel. He served as a fighter pilot for the British Royal Air Force (RAF) and the United States Air Force (USAF) 4th Fighter Group in World War II. By the end of his career in 1974, he received 33 decorations and distinctions.

Steve Pisanos
Pisanos' 2006 Gathering of Eagles Lithograph
NicknameThe Flying Greek
Born(1919-11-10)November 10, 1919
Metaxourgeio, Athens, Greece
DiedJune 6, 2016(2016-06-06) (aged 96)
San Diego, California, U.S.
Allegiance United States of America
Service/branch United States Air Force
Years of service1942–1974 (32 years)
Rank Colonel
Unit4th Fighter Group
No. 71 Squadron RAF
Battles/warsWorld War II
Vietnam War
Other workAuthor

He was the author of the book The Flying Greek, published in April 2008, where he has recorded all of his personal adventures and detailed war fighting experiences. The book is commented by his friends and renowned USAF aviators Gabby Gabreski and Chuck Yeager.

Pisanos died on June 6, 2016 from heart failure at his home in Rancho Bernardo, San Diego, California, aged 96.[2]

References change

  1. "RIP Spiros "Steve" Pisanos (1920-2016)". iModeler.
  2. Ken Stone (June 9, 2016). "Steve Pisanos Dies at 96: Famed Decorated WWII Fighter Pilot". Times of San Diego. Retrieved July 3, 2016.

Other websites change