Military pays tribute to World War II bomber pilot

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Cohen A. Young
  • Air Force Print News
WASHINGTON (AFPN) --  A World War II bomber pilot was laid to rest with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery on Aug 11.

Retired Maj. Gen. Jack I. Posner was one of the last remaining bomber pilots from World War II.

His burial site is in a direct line of sight of the new Air Force Memorial. The general's son, Col. John D. Posner, said that his father would have appreciated the view. The procession to General Posner's final resting spot included an Army caisson, the U.S. Air Force Band and Honor Guard, and family and friends.

"My dad spent upwards of almost 37 years of his life in uniform," Colonel Posner said. "Even when he retired, he spent the remainder of his life as a devoted fan and advocate for the United States Air Force.

"For (the Air Force) to give him this send-off with full military honors is a tribute and a thanks for a job well done," he said.

General Posner enlisted in the Army Air Corps in World War II and received his pilot wings and commission in June 1944. He flew in 18 combat missions with the 92nd Bombardment Group in England. After the war he went back to his civilian life, but was reactivated during the Korean War. He retired in March 1978.