MAJOR GENERAL FREDERIC E. GLANTZBERG

Major General Frederic E. Glantzberg was born in 1903 at Springfield, Mass. While an engineering student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, he was cadet captain in the ROTC. Upon graduation, with a bachelor of science degree in Mechanical Engineering, he was awarded a reserve commission in the U.S. Army Air Corps.

As a second lieutenant in the Army Air Corps, General Glantzberg reported to Brooks Field, Texas for flying training. He graduated from Kelly Field June 25, 1928 and received a regular commission Feb. 21, 1929.

The general's first assignment after graduation from flying school was Mitchel Field, Long Island, N.Y., then in November of 1929, he was transferred to the Air Materiel Command at Wright Field, Ohio. There he was assigned as research engineer, Equipment Branch. While at Wright, he married, on April 5, 1930, Miss Claire Jackson whom he had met during his flight training at San Antonio, Texas.

The Philippines was the general's next assignment. In December of 1931 he reported to Nichols Field where he served briefly with the 2nd Observation Squadron; later as assistant engineering officer, Philippine Air Depot and, at the time of his reassignment to Langley Field, Va., in late 1934, he was engineering officer for the 28th Bomb Group.

General Glantzberg arrived at Langley in February 1935 and assumed command of the 20th Bomb Squadron. In June 1938 he participated in the record breaking overwater formation flight from Miami to Buenos Aires, Argentina in the then new B-17 Flying Fortresses --- along with generals Curtis LeMay and Robert Olds.

After leaving Langley Field, General Glantsberg had three assignments specializing in Latin American affairs. In June 1939, he was assigned as technical adviser to the Colombian Air Force, stationed at Bogota, Colombia. He remained there until October 1941 when he was transferred to Albrook Field, Panama Canal Zone, as Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, 6th Air Force.

In March of 1942 General Glantzberg was reassigned to Headquarters U.S. Army Air Corps, Washington, for duty with the Plans Division. He also wore a second hat as air member of the Joint Mexican-United States Defense Commission.

A combat command loomed next for the general. After a brief tour with the 467th Bomb Group at Orlando, Fla., General Glantzberg reported to Hammer Field, Calif. There he was checked out in the B-24 Liberator and assumed command of the 461st Bomb Group. The general later took the group to Italy where, as part of the 15th Air Force, it served with distinction. While in command of the group, General Glantzberg, then a colonel, flew 50 combat missions and logged more than 300 hours of combat time.

In October 1944, the general was recalled to Washington to serve as deputy director of the Scientific Advisory Board. Dr. Theodore Von Karmen was chairman of the board. General Glantzberg was awarded the Legion of Merit by General H.H. Arnold for a long-range blueprint of the Air Force, which outlined and laid the foundation for the modern weapons and aircraft now coming into the Air Force inventory.

In October 1945, General Glantzberg was one of the first officers assigned to the Air University at Maxwell Field, Ala. He participated in the organization of the Air Command and Staff School and later served as one of the instructors.

He attended the Air War College before returning to Washington to again serve for eight months as deputy director of the Scientific Advisory Board with the additional duty of assisting in organizing the Human Resources Division in the Directorate of Research and Development.

With school and staff assignments behind him, General Glantzberg returned to his first love, command of and active participation in the flying activities of combat organizations. From 1949 through 1951 he commanded the 2nd Bombardment Group and Wing at Chatham Air Force Base, Ga., and Hunter Air Force Base, Ga.

During 1952, he commanded the Air Task Group at the Atomic Energy Proving Grounds, Eniwetok. In 1953, he assumed command of the 4th Air Division at Barksdale, La., which was then converting from B-29s to B-47s. From 1954 to 1956 he commanded the U.S. Air Force in Europe's 17th Air Force with headquarters in North Africa.

In the summer of 1956, General Glantzberg and his family returned to Washington where he spent eight months as chairman of the ad hoc committee on single manager for airlift services before becoming vice commander of the Military Air Transport Service in June 1957.

INTERESTS
Hobbies: Gardening, woodworking Sports: Golf, tennis, squash Habits: An early riser - frequently plays a set of tennis before going to work.

General Glantsberg is still an eager pilot of some of the most advanced types of aircraft, flies regularly all those available to the units in the field, including the century series. He has logged nearly 11,000 hours and is rated as a command pilot, and aircraft observer.

DECORATIONS AND MEDALS
Silver Star Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster Distinguished Flying Cross with oak leaf cluster Air Medal with four oak leaf clusters Commendation Ribbon with oak leaf cluster Cruz de Boyaca (Colombia) Aztec Eagle (Mexican) Croix de Guerre with Palm (French) Legion of Honor, Commander's Degree (French) European Theatre of Operation Ribbon Pacific Theatre Ribbon American Theatre Ribbon American Defense Ribbon

OPINIONS, TASTES AND EVALUATIONS
Particularly food of Mexican food, but likes all good food. Dresses conservatively, dark blues, grays and browns. Enjoys a good mystery story; usually watches TV on Sunday evenings. Strong believer in not asking the troops to do anything he wouldn't do himself. As a result, has always flown whatever planes assigned to his command. Favorite expressions: "You've got to be quick," "Let's not stand around on one foot." Demands forthrightness. He wants honest opinions. Is an energetic, dynamic leader. Is admired by the troops for his down-to-earth type approaches.

UNUSUAL EXPERIENCES
Had an engine shot out and two on fire over Ploesti leading the 15th Air Force. Brought the plane back. In 1932, was struck by an antenna (22 pounds) of another aircraft. Knocked unconscious with a compound skull fracture. Regained consciousness in time to avert a crash and land the aircraft before passing out again. He is missing four square inches of skull over his right ear as a result of this accident.