Hansen, Homer K. (Homer Kermit), 1922-2003

Homer K. Hansen (b. 1922, St. Ansgar, Iowa-d. Feb. 23, 2003), U.S. Air Force officer, graduated from college, entered aviation cadet training, and received his commission with pilot wings in 1943. He served as a pilot instructor before assignment with the 9th Air Force in the European Theater of Operations, flying P-47s in support of the 3rd Army in France and Germany. In the 1950s, he was assigned to the Far Eastern Air Forces as a pilot with the 8th Fighter Bomber Wing and was the first Air Force pilot to complete 100 combat missions in the Korean War. He also served with the 20th Fighter Bomber Wing in England and was operations officer for the 81st Fighter Bomber Wing. During the Vietnam era, he was commander, 3rd Tactical Fighter Wing, flew 230 combat missions, and was appointed director, Tactical Air Control Center, 7th Air Force Headquarters. In 1972 he was assigned as vice commander, Aeronautical Systems Division, Air Force Systems Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. He retired in January 1974.