William Thomas Whisner Jr. | |
|---|---|
 Colonel William T. Whisner Jr. in 1971 | |
| Nickname(s) | "Bill" |
| Born | October 17, 1923 Shreveport, Louisiana |
| Died | July 21, 1989 (aged 65) Alexandria, Louisiana |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service | United States Air Force |
| Years of service | 1942–1972 |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Unit | 352nd Fighter Group 4th Fighter-Interceptor Wing 51st Fighter Interceptor Wing |
| Commands | 494th Tactical Fighter Squadron 4517th Combat Crew Training Squadron 48th Tactical Fighter Wing |
| Battles / wars | World War II Korean War Vietnam War |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Cross (3) Silver Star Distinguished Flying Cross (7) Bronze Star Medal Air Medal (11) |
William Thomas Whisner Jr. (October 17, 1923 – July 21, 1989) was a career officer and pilot in the United States Air Force, retiring as a colonel with 30 years of military service. He was a fighter ace with Army Air Forces over Europe in World War II and a jet fighter ace with the Air Force in the Korean War.
Although best known for his credited destruction of 22½ aircraft in aerial combat and being one of only seven U.S. combat pilots to become an ace in two wars, Whisner commanded the 48th Tactical Fighter Wing, before retiring in 1972.