Millikan, Willard W., 1918-1970

Willard W. Millikan (b. 1918, Hamburg, Iowa-d. Sept. 1, 1970), U.S. Air Force officer, enlisted in the Royal Air Force and earned his pilot wings, then joined the Army Air Corps in 1942. He became commander of the 336th Fighter Squadron of the 4th Fighter Group, destroying 15 German aircraft before forced to bail out over enemy territory. He was a prisoner of war until April 1945 when he escaped. In 1946 General Millikan was released from active duty and joined the District of Columbia Air National Guard. He became commander of the 121st White House Squadron, which was activated in 1951 for Korean War service. He again left active duty in 1952, and in 1954 established a new West to East speed record flying an F-86F Sabrejet. In 1961, he led the 113th Tactical Fighter Wing on active duty in the wake of the Berlin Crisis. He remained active in the Air National Guard until his retirement in 1969.