BRIGADIER GENERAL CARL LAWRENCE TRIPPI Born on July 11, 1926, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Brig. Gen. Carl L. Trippi began his military career in September 1943 when he enlisted in the United States Army Enlisted Reserve Corps. He entered active duty in August 1944. Upon completing basic training he was transferred to Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida where he attended Aerial Gunnery School. Upon completion of the school he was assigned as a ball turret gunner on B-24 aircraft and subsequently he attended an Aircraft Maintenance Course. Upon graduation he was assigned to Clark Field, in the Philippine Islands in August 1945, where he served as a Flight Engineer on C-47 aircraft and as a Crew Chief on P-51 and P-47 aircraft until September 1946. Upon his return to the United States he was assigned to the Army Reserve.In December 1946 the general joined the Air National Guard of Louisiana and served as Crew Chief for the 122nd Light Bombardment Squadron. In February 1951 he received a direct commission as a second lieutenant for the purpose of attending pilot training. However, in April 1951 his unit was called to active federal service for the Korean conflict and assigned to Langley AFB, Virginia. From Langley AFB, he was transferred to Perrin AFB, Texas where he received primary pilot training. Upon completion of training he was assigned to Reese AFB, Texas and graduated with honors from the Basic Multi-Engine Pilot School in October 1952. He returned to Langley AFB for combat crew training until January 1953 when the 122nd returned to state control. He served as an Assistant Squadron Maintenance Officer and Aircraft Maintenance Staff Officer until July 1, 1964, when he was appointed Commander of the 159th Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. He served in that capacity until April 22, 1973, at which time he was appointed Deputy Chief of Staff of the Louisiana Air National Guard. On October 3, 1973, General Trippi was appointed Chief of Staff, Louisiana Air National Guard. He was promoted and federally recognized as brigadier general on February 6, 1976.Schools: Aerial Gunnery, 1945; A&E Mechanic, 1945; Primary and Basic Pilot Training, 1952; Squadron Officers Course, 1952; Aircraft Maintenance Officer Course, 1956; Sage Battle Staff Course, 1962; Air Defense Command Life Support Training Course, 1968; Air Command and Staff College, 1970; Military Environment Course, 1970; Military Employment Course, 1970.Civic Affiliations: Quiet Birdmen, Jerusalem Temple Masonic Order, Combat Pilot Association of the USA, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, Helicopter Association of America, Southern Flight Instructor Association, Safety Counsellor Accident Prevention FAA, American Fighter Pilots Association, Air Force Association, National Guard Associations of the United States and Louisiana; Board of Directors, Boy Scouts of America.Decorations and Awards: Combat Readiness Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with one Hourglass, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Louisiana War Cross, Louisiana Longevity Medal with four Fleur de Lis, Louisiana Emergency Service Medal, Louisiana Cross of Merit.Civilian Occupation: Manager, Aircraft Operations for Chevron Oil Company.Reference:General Officers of the Army and Air National Guard, Office of Public Affairs, National Guard Bureau, January 1979.