Lyle, Lewis E., 1916-2008

Lewis E. Lyle, also known as Lew Lyle, (b. June 22, 1916, Pine Bluff, Ark.-d. April 6, 2008, Garland County, Ark.), U.S. Air Force, officer, began his military career in 1938 when commissioned in the Infantry Reserve after graduating from college. Full-time active duty began in 1940, and he graduated from flying school in 1941. Assigned to the European Theater from 1942 to 1945, he flew sixty-nine combat missions in B-17s. In 1954 he became chief of staff, 5th Air Division, followed by assignment to Strategic Air Command (SAC) Headquarters as chief of plans in the Directorate of Plans and deputy director of plans. In 1958 he became commander, 4th Air Division, and the following year served as director of plans, HQ 2nd Air Force, and chief of staff, 2nd Air Force. In the mid-1960s, he was named commander, 818th Strategic Aerospace Division. General Lyle retired in 1967.