Terhune, Charles H., Jr., 1916-2006.

Charles H. Terhune, Jr., was born on May 7, 1916 in Dayton, Ohio. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1938 from Purdue University, and an Aeronautical Engineering degree from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) in 1940.

Terhune joined the Army Air Corps in 1938 and received his pilot wings in May 1939 at Kelly Field, TX. As an Army Air Corps pilot in 1939, he tested bullet-proof fuel tanks for aircraft at Wright Field, OH, and was associated with development of the first jet aircraft for the Army Air Force in the early 1940s, serving at Wright Field. During the latter stages of World War II, Terhune participated in combat missions from the Philippines and Okinawa as Executive Officer of the 58th Fighter Group, Pacific Theater, and after the War he served as Commander, 49th Fighter Group, Japan. From 1947-52, Terhune served in various positions involving guided missile development, stationed at the U.S. Air Force Headquarters, then in the Office of Secretary of Defense, Washington, D.C.

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