Hutchison, David W. (David William), 1908-1982

David William Hutchison (b. May 21, 1908, Mineral Point, Wis.-d. Sept. 24, 1982), U.S. Air Force officer, graduated from West Point in 1931 and completed flying training a year later. He began his military career with an Air Corps bombardment group in Panama. Before the U.S. entered the Second World War, he went to England as a military observer in photo reconnaissance, and in 1943 he served with the 5th Air Force in the Far East as commander, 6th Photo Group; deputy chief of staff of operations; commander of the 2nd Task Force; and commander, 308th Bomb Wing. He is credited with 172 combat missions. Following the War, General Hutchison commanded occupational air forces in Korea, commanded the 314th Air Division in Japan, was chief of staff for operations at Strategic Air Command headquarters, and commanded the 97th Bombardment Wing and the 21st Air Division. Later he commanded the 5th Air Division in North Africa, organized and was the first commander of the 17th Air Force, and assumed command of the 9th Air Force (Tactical Air Command).