Born on December 6, 1918, in Rochelle, Georgia, George R. Doster, Jr., joined the Reserve Corps in June 1942, was commissioned 2d lieutenant in November 1943, and assigned as flight instructor in the Eastern Training Command. Shortly thereafter, he assisted in the organization of a Flight Instructor School for instructors assigned throughout the Eastern Training Command. He later served in the China-Burma-India Theater.
His Air National Guard career began with his assignment as the Air Liaison Officer for the Alabama Air National Guard in 1946. This assignment gave General Doster the distinction of being the first Air Guardsman in Alabama after the close of World War II. Later assignments included administrative inspector, intelligence staff officer, and deputy chief of staff. In July 1955, he assumed command of the 117th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing. During the Berlin Crisis in 1961-1962 General Doster was ordered to active duty and continued to serve as Commander of the 117th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing. In addition to duties as Base Commander of Sumpter Smith Air National Guard Base, he commands a wing that embraces flying units in both Birmingham and Montgomery, Alabama, as well as Meridian, Mississippi, and Fort Smith, Arkansas. On January 31, 1963, he was assigned as Chief of Staff, Alabama Air National Guard. He received Federal recognition as major general effective November 7, 1963.
Schools: Auburn University; Pilot Training, 1943; Communications Officers Course, Chanute Air Force Base, Illinois, 1944; Air Command and Staff School, 1957; Reserve General Officer Orientation Course, AU, 1959; Air War College General Officer Orientation Course, 1964.
Decorations and Awards: Legion of Merit, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Alabama Commendation Medal, Alabama Faithful Service Medal, National Emergency Service Medal of Alabama, and Distinguished Service Medal of Alabama.
Civic Affiliations: Air Force Association, National Guard Associations of the United States and Alabama, American Ordnance Association, Rotary International, Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, Alabama Heart Association, American Red Cross; Executive Committee, National Veterans Day, Birmingham Program; Order of Daedalians, Pi Kappa Phi, Executive Committee and Board of Directors of the City National Bank of Birmingham, Board Member of the Birmingham Federal Savings and Loan Association.
Civilian Occupation: Base Detachment Commander, Sumpter Smith Air National Guard Base, Birmingham, Alabama.
Reference:
General Officers of the Army and Air National Guard, Office of Public Affairs, National Guard Bureau, August 1966.