Flew 30 Bombing Missions Over Germany

ANN has learned that Basil F. Hackleman of Springfield, MO ... a B-17 pilot during WWII ... has Gone West at the age of 94.

Hackleman passed away February 26th at the Gardens Assisted Living Facility in Springfield, according to an obituary published in the News-Leader newspaper.

Hackleman was born in rural Kansas in 1921, and enlisted in the army on December 13, 1940. He transferred to the Army Air Corps and was assigned to the 91st Bomb Group in England as a B-17 pilot. He flew 30 bombing missions over Germany before returning to the U.S. to become an instructor pilot training new flight crews for duty overseas.

After the war, he transferred to the U.S. Air Force Reserves, attaining the rank of Lt. Colonel. While a reservist from 1945 to 1981, he flew DC-3s for TWA from Kansas City to the West Coast. He retired from the military in 1981.

While in the reserves in the late 60s, Hackleman became a charter pilot for Ozarks Skyways, and then relocated to Springfield Flying Service operating from Downtown Airport. He retired from flying in 1982.

Hackleman was honored with an Air Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters; Distinguished Flying Cross; Presidential Unit Citation, Issued to the 91st Bomb Group for Bombing Raid on Oschersleben, Germany, January 11, 1944.

(B-17 pictured in file photo)

FMI: Full Obituary