Underhill, Edward H., 1907-1983

Edward H. Underhill (b. 1907, New Brunswick, Canada-d. Oct. 23, 1983), U.S. Air Force officer, graduated from flying school and received his commission in the Air Reserve in 1928. A regular commission in the U.S. Army Air Corps came a year later. Early in his career he served as an engineering officer, flying instructor, and squadron commander, including a tour as commanding officer, 24th Pursuit Squadron, in Panama. In the early years of World War II, he held several training positions. In 1945 he became assistant chief of staff, 5th Air Force, in the South Pacific Theater. Later, he assumed command, 3rd Bomb Group, then of the 314th Composite Wing. After serving as deputy director of military personnel at Air Force HQ, he left for Japan as deputy for personnel, Far Eastern Air Forces HQ, and later as the 5th Air Force's vice commander in Korea. General Underhill served as chief of staff, U.S. European Command, from 1961 to 1963, when he became chairman, Inter-American Defense Board and the senior Air Force member, Military Staff Committee, United Nations. He retired in 1964.