Former TAC Leader Dead at 76

The general who led Tactical Air Command for more than six years died Tuesday in Las Vegas at the age of 76.

Retired Gen. Wilbur L. "Bill" Creech, TAC commander from May 1, 1978, to December 31, 1984, is survived by his wife Caroline A. Creech.

Creech was a command pilot who flew more than 40 fighter, cargo and reconnaissance aircraft. His military decorations and awards included the Distinguished Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Silver Star, Legion of Merit with two oak leaf clusters, Distinguished Flying Cross with three oak leaf clusters and Air Medal with 14 oak leaf clusters.

As commander of TAC, Creech directed the activities of two numbered air forces, three centers and seven air divisions. He led more than 111,300 military and civilians assigned to 32 bases in the United States, Panama, Okinawa and Iceland. TAC was also the gaining command for more than 58,300 Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve airmen from 149 major units throughout the country.

Creech flew 103 combat missions during the Korean War with the 51st Fighter Wing at Kimpo Air Base, South Korea. He also served a combat tour as a forward air controller, and flew 177 combat missions over Vietnam while assigned to the 37th Tactical Fighter Wing as its deputy commander for operations.

Creech was a native of Argyle (MO). He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland and a master’s degree from The George Washington University. He was a graduate of the National War College.

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