William J. Cullerton | |
|---|---|
 Captain William J. Cullerton | |
| Nickname(s) | Bill |
| Born | June 2, 1923 Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Died | January 12, 2013 (aged 89) Downers Grove, Illinois, U.S. |
| Buried | Bronswood Cemetery, Oak Brook, Illinois |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service | United States Army Air Forces |
| Years of service | 1942–1945 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | 357th Fighter Squadron 355th Fighter Group |
| Battles / wars | World War II |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Cross Silver Star Distinguished Flying Cross (4) Purple Heart Air Medal (8) |
| Relations | Elaine Cullerton (wife) |
| Other work | Host of Great Outdoors Show on WGN-Radio (1979–99) |
William J. "Bill" Cullerton Sr. (June 2, 1923 – January 12, 2013) was an American World War II flying ace, entrepreneur, radio show host, and outdoorsman.[1][2] Cullerton destroyed twenty-one Axis planes during the war, including sixteen destroyed in low-altitude attacks on the ground, ranking him as the second highest strafing ace in the 355th Fighter Group.[1][2] He was the last surviving ace of the 355th Fighter Group ("Dragon Squadron"), which flew missions out of Steeple Morden, England, during World War II.[1]
- ^ a b c O'Donnell, Maureen (2013-01-14). "William J. Cullerton, Chicago's top flying ace of World War II, dies at 89". Chicago Sun Times. Retrieved 2013-01-25.
- ^ a b Megan, Graydon (2013-01-16). "William Cullerton, 1923–2013 WWII pilot, entrepreneur, radio host and well-known outdoorsman championed conservation". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 2013-01-25.