Abner Maurice Aust Jr. | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | October 7, 1921 Scooba, Mississippi, U.S. |
| Died | June 16, 2020 (aged 98) Lakeland, Florida, U.S. |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service |  United States Air Force |
| Years of service | 1942–1972 |
| Rank |  Colonel |
| Unit | 506th Fighter Group 366th Tactical Fighter Wing 31st Tactical Fighter Wing |
| Commands | 6002nd Standardization Evaluation Group 33rd Tactical Fighter Wing 366th Tactical Fighter Wing 31st Tactical Fighter Wing 475th Air Base Wing 314th Air Division 3rd Tactical Fighter Wing |
| Battles / wars | World War II Vietnam War |
| Awards | Legion of Merit Distinguished Flying Cross (4) Bronze Star Medal Meritorious Service Medal Air Medal (26) |
Abner Maurice Aust Jr. (October 7, 1921 – June 16, 2020) was an American flying ace in the 506th Fighter Group during World War II, and a career fighter pilot in the United States Air Force. During World War II, Aust flew Very Long Range (VLR) fighter missions from Iwo Jima and was one of the last pilots to become flying aces in the war. During Vietnam War, Aust commanded two fighter wings and flew more than 300 combat missions.[1]
He retired in 1972 at the rank of colonel, after 30 years of distinguished service.[1]
- ^ a b "Captain Abner Aust". 506th Fighter Group. Retrieved October 2, 2020.