Silver Star Recipient Had Starring Role In WWII Film 'Tora! Tora! Tora!'

Brigadier General (Retired) Kenneth R. Milam's career in the US Air Force spanned nearly 25 years.

He was commissioned in 1953 and, after attending pilot training, served the next three years as a fighter pilot in Korea and Japan. He then left active service for eight months in 1956.

Returning to the Air Force in 1957, Milam spent one year ferrying fighter aircraft to North Atlantic Treaty Organization countries. Following that, he flew F-100s at Myrtle Beach Air Force Base, SC, before his reassignment to Strategic Air Command.

In September 1966 Milam returned to fighters as an F-4 aircraft commander at George Air Force Base, CA. In March 1967 he was assigned duty in Southeast Asia where he flew more than 100 combat missions over North Vietnam in the F-4. He also flew combat missions in the T-28, 0-1, and A-1 aircraft.

Milam returned from Southeast Asia in November 1967 and took leave from the Air Force after his selection by 20th Century Fox as a stunt pilot for to combat scenes in the motion picture "Tora! Tora! Tora!." In the film, he flew replicas of Japanese zero-type fighters, torpedo bombers, dive bombers, and the American P-40 fighter.

Milam earned his command pilot wings and amassed approximately 4,000 hours in USAF fighter and multiengine aircraft. His military decorations and awards include the Silver Star -- awarded to those demonstrating valor in the face of the enemy --the Legion of Merit and the Distinguished Flying Cross with five devices.

Kenneth R. Milam, Brigadier General (Retired) USAF, died January 4, 2007 at the Trisun Care Center in Windcrest, TX. He was 77.

He is survived by his wife, Claudia L. Milam; two sons, Christopher F. Milam of Austin, TX and Lieutenant Colonel Curtis S. Milam, currently serving in Afghanistan; a sister, Jean Milam Warden, of Rancho Santa Fe, CA; and seven grandchildren.

ANN extends its sincerest condolences to the family of General Milam: a great pilot, public servant and genuine American hero.

FMI: www.af.mil