My dear Dad.. my hero. God guided his heart and filled his passion to serve others and his country with honor and respect. His accomplishments were many and he touched the lives of so many.
In about 1925, Jack journeyed by automobile with his father, E. E. Perdew and E. E.'s brother-in-law, Charlie Brown, to the Imperial Valley. While in camp, E.E. built a swing out of an old tire for his son, and Jack remembers enjoying that swing and tasting hominy for the first time. He remembers it as being some of the greatest food he ever had and still loves it to this day. Later that day, while E.E. and his son were still in camp, it was getting dark and E.E. was getting concerned that Charlie hadn't returned yet. About that time, he heard sounds which he at first believed to be a cow mooing. Based on his anxiety that it might be Charlie, he went out looking for him in the direction of the sounds, and found a very determined Charlie, who was calling for help while carrying a large grinding stone, unwilling to leave his treasure behind.
Charlie Brown had a large barn on his property in Cucamonga where he kept a wagon, a pair of mules and hay to feed them. Charlie lent his wagon and mules to his brother-in-law, E. E. Perdew, who used them one day to load up the prunings from citrus trees to transport them to dispose of them in an arroyo nearby. While unloading the brush, something spooked the mules, and they took off at a full gallup, causing E.E's five year old son, Jack, to topple off of the springboard seat and fall to the ground, where he was run over by the iron-shod wooden wheels. While it was traumatic, there were no real injuries, and E.E. ignored the mules, picking up his crying son, knowing the mules would tire and stop. The mules and the wagon were recovered the same day.
From Jack's eulogy for his younger brother, Bob:
"Being raised on a ranch, there was always plenty of work and our dad had to call on us for help; driving a tractor, smudging and filling the pots in the winter, irrigating in the summer, maintaining and servicing the farm equipment, and there were always a lot of blisters to be had at the end of a pick and shovel. There was one chore at which Bob developed considerable expertise and wound up with it as his responsibility: milking the family cow. Somehow, to my disappointment, I never developed a knack for it. There was much work to do. Yet there was time to go to school and to have a little fun playing games, hunting rabbits and coyotes and swimming in the reservoir that was just across the street from our house.
Some of the games we played wouldn't be recognizable for today's generations. We didn't have TVs or electronic games. They hadn't been invented yet. We had a lot of fun though playing hide and seek, kick the can, tippy-cat and others that I can't recall. I do remember racing around through the lemon grove, picking off fruit as we ran and throwing them at each other. It really smarted when you were hit by one of them and it was upsetting to our next door neighbor who was also a fruit grower. He reported us to our dad.
I recall that we once removed the rubber tires from our little red wagon and beat the outer edges of the wheels together to where they were about the thickness of an ice skate runner. We then took the wagon up to the top of Archibald avenue which is very steep near the foothills and enjoyed a high speed and dangerous ride. On another occasion, we took our bicycles several miles up to a forestry service dirt road on the mountain just behind the church and then coasted down at a high rate of speed. On most of this wild ride, there were steep drop-offs and no guard rails. We survived those hills and created a lot of good memories. I'm pretty sure we didn't share them with our parents. We wouldn't have wanted them to worry."
In the Apr. 19, 1930 U.S. census, 8 yr. old 'Demming' (Denning) Perdew, b. in CA., was living at 295 Archibald St. in Cucamonga Twp., San Bernardino Co., CA., with his
38 yr. old father, Earnest E. Perdew, a citrus farmer, b. in CA.
40 yr. old mother, Clara (no occupation listed), b. in MN.
9 yr. old sister, Dorothy Perdew, b. in CA.
5 yr. old brother, Robert Perdew, b. in CA.
2 yr. 10 mth. old sister, Katherine Perdew, b. in CA.
Earnest was 26 yrs. old and Clara was 28 when they married.
Earnest's parents were both b. in CA.
Clara's parents were both b. in Germany.
*Note about "Jack's" name: When he was born, his father, Earnest E. Perdew filled out the form for his birth certificate, naming him: "Deming" Miles Perdew - after Earnest's best friend and Congressional Medal of Honor winner In WWI, Deming Bronson.
The hospital misread his handwriting, mistaking the "m" as "nn" and registered him as "Denning" Miles Perdew - and he just never got around to officially correcting it - maybe also because no one in the family ever called him "Deming/Denning" - but always by the nickname his sister, Dorothy, had given him as a child: "Jack."
The following childhood recollections were written by 'Jack' Perdew:
"As you know, I was born in the San Antonio Community Hospital in Upland, California. Attending physician was Dr. Arthur Weber. At the time my mother and father lived on the corner of Ely Street and Euclid Avenue, where my father and his brother, Howard, operated a dairy. The main dairy buildings, including another home, was just to the east of our house a quarter of a mile or less. I am guessing that the property was purchased an owned by Howard inasmuch as he received a CALVET loan at this time (he was eligible as a WWI veteran).And, I think that this home housed (my grandparents) J. E. and Nettie and some of their kids. The field between the two homes was planted to alfalfa and it was this field that I wandered out into while Dad was mowing the crop. I was barefoot and the remaining portion of the alfalfa plants, which had been cut to almost ground level, stuck up out of the ground and I discovered that it was painful to walk on them and stood in one place crying until Dad got off the tractor and rescued me.
Lydia Beese was staying with us and it was probably there that she met her future husband, Clarence Beekman. He visited the dairy in an official capacity as a government employee charged with testing the milk for tuberculosis. It was also there at the Euclid & Ely location that Lydia crashed Dad's Studebaker car (with my sister and me inside) into the Eucalyptus trees that lined the driveway to the house. She made the turn but failed to discontinue the turn after she was into the driveway. It must have been embarrassing for her but no serious injuries.
The dairy business evidently was not a success and was abandoned after a short period (a year or two or so, I don't know). But I must have been a couple of years old when we moved to (my uncle-in-law) Charlie Brown's property on Archibald Avenue in Cucamonga, CA. He owned 20 acres of land planted to orange trees. The property had two houses. Our home was adequate but probably not as large as Charlie's residence. I don't know what sort of agreement existed with Charlie, but I do know that Dad did do work, at least part time, on the ranch and that included smudging and irrigating. He also did box making for whatever grape grower could provide employment. I do know that he did work for a person that he pronounced like 'laugh-a-kade', but I am guessing that it was a grower by the name of John LaFourcade who owned one of the largest vineyards in California. LaFourcade's work in creating his vineyards was an epic struggle. I do recall at least one day where I accompanied my dad to his work site alongside a railroad siding on Millikin Avenue in Cucamonga. Dad had his own apparatus for holding the parts while they were being nailed together and a nail stripper (which allowed the nails to gather in a line in a down-sloping parallel-wire channel where a quantity, probably 6 to 8, could be grasped with his left hand and be then implanted into the box making materials. The shook was provided by the grower and the equipment by the worker. Shook, according to Webster's dictionary, is a 'bundle of parts (as of boxes) ready to be put together'. The preferred tool for box making was not a hammer, instead a hatchet was used. Usually one blow would set the nail and another seat it. A box could be produced in less than a minute. Boxes were then filled with fresh grapes and then loaded into the nearby railway boxcar. I remember that it was hot in the middle of a vineyard with no shade, but Dad must surely have rigged some sort of shade for his work. Dad usually rode the bus from corner of Foothill Blvd. and Archibald Ave. to Millikin Avenue on the eastern side of Cucamonga. He was usually accompanied by a German Shepherd dog. Dad used to tell the story that one day he left the dog behind so the dog, on his own, boarded the bus and debarked at the right place and joined him at work."
The San Bernardino Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 15, Col. 2-3
Sat., Sep. 24, 1932
Excerpt from: Cucamonga Sunday School To Give 'Truth' Pageant
CUCAMONGA, Sept. 23 - The members of the Sunday school of the Cucamonga Community church will present a pageant, "The Coming of Truth", in the church auditorium Sunday evening, Sept. 25, at 7:30. The pageant portrays Christian teaching as the key to the world's redemption. It points to the Sunday School as the chief agency for teaching religion. "World" is represented as seeking freedom from bondage. Spirits of nearly every aspect of society fail to bring deliverance. "The church appears and promises freedom through "truth". There follows a panorama of Christian education as the "way", the "Truth" and "Life",in which the youngest member of the congregation - an eight-weeks-old baby, up to the eldest members of the church are participants.
Primary department recitation,Art Hughes, Bob Perdew, Marvin Billings, Jack Perdew, Bruce Monkman, Helen Hawker (and 28 others).
The San Bernardino Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 1, Col. 4
Tue., Jul. 7, 1936
Neighboring Miners Tell of Tragedy
He died about 7:30 p.m. yesterday. His body was still at the hospital at a late hour last night, pending orders from the coroner for its disposition.
Two miners, Jack Daley and Jack Perdew who heard the shots in their nearby cabin, rushed to Kessler's house and discovered the body of Mrs. Kessler.
Kessler had gone a short distance from the house before shooting himself and the miners thought he was dead.
According to Denning M. Perdew's U.S., World War II Army Enlistment Records, his civil occupation as: 'actor'. (*While he was described by many who knew him as 'movie star handsome', when asked about this, he was mystified and amused, stating that he had never been an actor nor had any ambition to be one.) He was described as 6'2" tall, weighing 173 lbs. His education included two years of college.
In the 1946 Ontario, CA. City Directory, 'Demming' M. Perdew was living at 1673 N. Archibald Av. with his father, Earnest E. Perdew, sisters, Dorothy J. and Kathryn B. Perdew and brother, Robert E. Perdew. His youngest sibling, 7 y. old Richard V. Perdew was also living there - but maybe too young to list in the directory.
On May 7, 1946, Denning Miles Perdew and Ruth Cora Lewis were married by Gene Ward, a Justice of the Peace, at the courthouse in Las Vegas, Clark County, NV. (one block South Fremont between Second and Third).
The Courier-Journal (Louisville, KY.), P. 8, Col. 6
Sat., Feb. 19, 1949
Buzzard Attacks, Tears Hole In B-26 In His Last Buzz
Smyrna, Tenn., Feb. 18 - A dive-bombing buzzard made an attack on a bomber here and came out second.
The buzzard-bomber encounter came off yesterday when Capt. Denning M. Perdew, Alta Loma, Cal., was bringing his B-26 in for a landing after a flight from Greenville, S.C.
Perdew said the bird attacked "smack on at 12 o'clock," the impact tearing a hole bigger than the buzzard in the bomber's nose. Feathers were scattered all over the flying gear of Sgy. Richard A. Mention, Miami.
Perdew brought the damaged plane in without mishap. The flier, veteran of 54 combat missions in the China-Burma-India Theater, said the noise of the collision was like that of a 20-millimeter shell tearing through.
(From a San Bernardino County newspaper clipping, approx. Jun. 1960)
Air Force Laurels Go To Alta Loman's Son
ALTA LOMA - The son of an Alta Loma man has been presented with the Air Force Commendation Medal at Forbes Air Force Base, Kan.
He is Lt. Col. Denning M. Perdew, son of Ernest (Earnest) E. Perdew, of 6295 Archibald Ave., Alta Loma.
The army officer was decorated at the Kansas air base recently before leaving for an assignment to the Central Europe Allied Air Forces headquarters at Fontainebleau, France. His wife and three children accompanied him to his new assignment.
He was cited for "sustained meritorious service" between Aug. 1, 1956 and June 15, 1959. The presentation was made at change of command ceremonies.
Included in his citation was a report on his progression from pilot to aircraft commander, a news release from headquarters of the 21st Air Division at Forbes Air Force Base said.
Perdew commanded both the 90th Armament and Electronics Squadron and the 321st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron. He established records in both, the release said.
While commander of the 321st Squadron, the colonel maintained an 88.3 per cent rate for aircraft airborne on schedule, a record in the 90th Wing. In addition, he lead the 321st through the transition from a reconnaissance squadron to a student training unit.
The Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 20, Col. 1
Thu., Aug. 6, 1959
With County Men in Service
Lt. Col. Denning M. Perdew, son of Ernest E. Perdew, Alta Loma, and former commander of the 90th Armament and Electronics Squadron, received the Air Force Commendation Medal at Forbes Air Force Base, Kan., in change-of-command ceremonies held prior to his departure for an assignment at Central Europe Allied Air Force headquarters at Fontainebleau, France.
Col Perdew was cited for "sustained meritorious service during the period Aug. 1, 1956 through June 15, 1959."
Included in his citation was report on his progression from pilot to aircraft commander. He has commanded both the 90th Armament and Electronics Squadron and the 321st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron, recording outstanding records in both organizations.
The Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 20, Col. 5-6
Tue., Jun. 7, 1960
(Below the picture, it reads): AWARDED MEDAL - Lieutenant Colonel Denning M. Perdew, USAF, receives words of congratulations from Major General Don O. Darrow, USAF, Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations at Headquarters, Allied Air Forces Central Europe (AIRCENT). Colonel Perdew was awarded the U.S. Air Force commendation medal while assigned with the 90th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing, Forbes Air Force Base, Kansas. (AIRCENT photo)
Lt. Col. Perdew Decorated In France by U.S. Air Force
ALTA LOMA - Lt. Col. Denning M. Perdew, U.S. Air Force, son of Earnest E. Perdew of N. Archibald Ave., Alta Loma, was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal for his "meritorious service" while assigned with the 90th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing, Forbes Air Force base, Kansas.
Presenting the award was Maj. General Don O. Darrow, deputy chief of staff of operations at Headquarters Allied Air Forces Central Europe, NATO's largest air arm at Fontainebleau, France.
Col. Perdew, who entered the service in Jan. 1942 was cited for "his initiative and devotion to duty… by the adoption of second Air Force of an analysis system for armament and electronics data researched and further developed under his direction."
Col. Perdew, in Fontainebleau, 38 miles southeast of Paris, is chief of Nuclear Programs Branch, Operations Policy Division of Headquarters Allied Air Forces Central Europe. He serves side by side with officers and airmen from 7 NATO nations, including France, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Canada, The Netherlands, Germany and the United States.
Col. Perdew, a graduate of Chaffey College, served in China from Dec. '43 to Nov. '44 and Okinawa from Oct. '49 to May '52. His decorations include the Air Medal and the Distinguished Flying Cross.
His wife Ruth and four children, Brenda, Denning, Chloe and Matthew, are presently with him in France.
The first two of four paragraphs of a letter, addressed to Lt. Col. Denning M. Perdew and dated September, 1960, from: The University of Maryland, European Division
Dear Colonel Perdew,
I am very happy to inform you that you have been awarded a Scholastic Achievement Medallion for the Fifth Term, 1959-1960. During that period, only eighteen students of the 4,482 enrolled in the Overseas Program of the University of Maryland appeared on the Dean's List with an "A" average.You have every reason for pride in achieving that distinction.
We of the Overseas Staff of the University of Maryland appreciate the perseverance and sound scholarship revealed by your record, the more so since we realize that it was attained through the consistent use of your limited free time. In congratulating you on your superior performance, we believe that your efforts for self-development have not only served your own interests but also the mission of the Armed Forces.
Sincerely,
Herman Beukema, Brig. Gen., USA, Ret., Director Overseas Program
(From a San Bernardino County newspaper clipping, sometime between Jan. '67 and Jun. '68)
VIETNAM COMMAND
Son of Area Man Heads Squadron
ALTA LOMA - Lt. Col. Denning Perdew, whose father, Ernest (Earnest) E. Perdew resides at 9348 La Vine St., recently assumed command of the 772nd Tactical Airlift Squadron, based in Mactan, Vietnam.
Perdew, a former World War II B-25 pilot, replaces Col. Miles League.
Perdew is a 1939 graduate of Chaffey High School and a 1941 graduate of Chaffey College.
His family, who reside in Rosemead, includes his wife, Ruth and their four children, Brenda, Denning Jr., Chloe and Matthew.
Perdew was serving at the Aerospace Studies Institute at Maxwell AFB, Ala., when he volunteered for Southeast Asia duty. He went to Mactan after completing flight re-training at Stewart AFB., Ten., and Pope AFB, N.C.
As a pilot in World War II, he flew 55 B-25 combat missions from 1943-44 in the Chinese theatre of operations.
321st Commander
He commanded the 321st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron and the 90th Armament and Electronics Squadron at Forbes AFB, Kan., from 1956-59, served with Allied Air Forces Central Europe, NATO, in Fontainebleau, France, from 1959-1961, and was a member of the Joint Strategic Target Planning Staff, SAC headquarters, Offutt AFB, Neb., from 1961-65.
Perdew has flown B-25, B-26, A-26, A-51, C-46, C-47, RB-47, and other aircraft throughout his Air Force career.
From a newspaper clipping:Lt. Col. Lewis Dunagan had a new experience in his badminton history as he was shunted to the losers' bracket 15-7 and 15-10, by Lt. Col. Denning Perdew. Col. Perdew now faces Colonel Winingham in the quarter-finals of the second flight.
During his stay in Southeast Asia, 'Jack' stayed in shape by playing badminton and tennis with his fellow officers. On one such occasion, he received a hard blow to the eye with a tennis ball, and he spent days in the infirmary with both eyes bandaged. Jack and his beloved 'Dude' were accustomed to exchanging letters every day without fail - and in spite of his injuries, he continued to write to her 'blindly', while he was laid up.
From: Commander Denning M. Perdew's Comments:
It is my desire to convey to all personnel assigned to the 772TAS my appreciation for the long and ordious [sic] (odious? tedious?) hours of labor contributed in preparation for the 13th Air Force Inspection. I am pleased with the results of the inspection and especially proud of the fine showing our barracks made with the inspecting officials. Their comments were praiseworthy and it was also their contention that our barracks were the finest they had seen anywhere in the Philippines or Taiwan. Let's not become complacent now that we have achieved some measure of success as a unit. We need to bear in mind that the total effort of every man assigned is necessary in order that we function effectively and efficiently. Thanks again "Red Hats".
Denning M. Perdew, LtCol, USAF, Commander
Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, CA.), P. 443, Col. 1-2
Thu., Oct. 4, 1990
Excerpt from: Lobstermen Feel Pinch of Rough Surf as Season Opens
Lobstermen took to the seas Wednesday with the opening of the new lobster season, but a strong surf apparently limited their success on what is considered their most lucrative day.
Varying surf, weather conditions and the harvesting of legal-size stock from the lobster beds from San Diego to Santa Barbara cause the amount of California spiny lobsters caught by commercial and private lobstermen to drop dramatically as the season progresses toward its March 20 closing.
Jack Perdew, who has been trapping lobsters in the ocean along Encinitas, Del Mar and Cardiff for 19 years, seemed to have one of the day's bigger takes at 600 pounds.
"I couldn't even get to all of my (200) traps today, maybe three-quarters of them, so I don't know my total (first-day catch)," Perdew said.
Local lobstermen were receiving $5.50 per pound from wholesalers, up 50 cents from last year. The average restaurant price for a lobster dinner is $19.
Denning M. Perdew's July 20-21, 2017, San Gabriel Valley Tribune obituary:
Col. Denning Miles 'Jack' Perdew, 95, was ushered into the arms of his Savior at 11:29 p.m. on Monday, July 17, 2017 at Arcadia Methodist Hospital, Arcadia, CA. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God supported him in his time of need and ultimately gave him peace. A fifth generation Californian, he was known by a wide circle of family, friends, and acquaintances as a man of great integrity with a kind, gentle, godly spirit. His life was a living example of his faith.
Born December 13, 1921 at San Antonio Community Hospital in Upland, CA., the second of five children of Earnest Edwin Perdew and Clara Dora Von Sien, Jack was a graduate of Chaffey High School in Ontario, CA. (class of 1939). He attended courses through the University of Maryland in Fontainebleau, France and earned a Bachelor's Degree in General Education at the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 1964 as well as a Master's Degree in International Affairs from George Washington University, Washington D.C. in 1966.
On May 7, 1946, he married the love of his life, Ruth C. 'Dude' Lewis. They were married for sixty-five happy years and were just as much in love when she passed away in 2012 as the day they met. Jack and Dude were long-time residents for 50 years atop a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Cardiff by the Sea, CA., where Jack lovingly cared for Dude throughout her struggle with Alzheimer's disease until her death.
In January of 1942, Jack enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a pilot. As a Captain in the 11th Bomb Squadron of the 14th Air Force with headquarters in China, during the war, he flew 54 missions in his 11 months overseas. For meritorious combat services, he received the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal. His thirty year career included a tour of duty in Okinawa (1949-1952); two assignments at the Pentagon (1952-1955 as Staff Officer, Office of the Assistant for Atomic Energy to the Deputy Chief of Staff and 1968-1971 as an action officer in the Plans and Policy Division of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Staff Officer, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Headquarters Allied Air Forces Central Europe at Fontainebleau, France 1959-1960); Staff Officer with the Office of SACEUR (Supreme Allied Commander in Europe)'s Representative to the Joint Strategic Planning Staff at Offutt AFB, Nebraska (1960-1965), was Tactical Airlift Squadron Commander at Mactan Air Base in the Philippines (1967-1968), and volunteered twice for Vietnam. From 1972-1973, he served as Vice-Commander of the 14th Special Operations Wing at Phan Rang Air Base.
After retiring from the Air Force at the age of 52, it became apparent that he wasn't going to be content spending the rest of his life playing golf, so he leased a Cessna 150 aircraft and flew as a spotter for a sword fish boat. His job was to find fish and direct the boat to where they could be spotted and harpooned. The new venture was not successful; starting on the day he leased the aircraft, there wasn't another swordfish landed on the Pacific Coast for that season. He reluctantly returned the aircraft to its owner and bought a diesel boat, spending the next twenty years working as a commercial fisherman in San Diego, fifteen of which he served as President of the Southern California Lobster Fishermen's Association,
Jack had a heart for those in need. Twice a month for fourteen years, he and his wife Ruth dedicated themselves to the mission of personally purchasing and delivering food to orphanages in Tijuana and Tecate, Mexico, where the children referred to him as 'Abuelito Jack'. In addition, for years, he sponsored a child through Highlands Education International in Jalingo, Nigeria, investing in the child's Christian education and training.
Jack's absence leaves a hole in the lives of his family and friends that can never be fully measured.
He enjoyed Dodger games, working Sudoku puzzles, flying glider planes and bicycling up until a few years before his death.
Jack was the proud and devoted father of four children: Brenda (Robert) Wilson, West Covina, CA; Denning Jr. (Teresa) Perdew, who predeceased him; Chloe Perdew, Arcadia, CA.; and Matt Perdew, Ocean Beach in San Diego, CA.; He was also the proud and attentive grandfather of nine amazing grandchildren, Diana Murrell, Lori Goetz, Terry Raleigh, Carlene McCallister, Denning Miles Perdew III, Sara Ann Woody, Steven Lewis Perdew, Kimberly Anne Smith, and Nathan Von Sien Perdew; 11 great grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren. All of these he loved and touched deeply and he will be dearly missed. He is also survived by a sister, Kathryn Osborne of Rancho Cucamonga.
Jack was a long-time member of the Covenant Keepers' Bible Study class at Grace Church of Glendora.
His family has organized a memorial service at the Hillcrest Meeting House, 2701 Mountain View Drive, La Verne, CA. with interment at Riverside National Cemetery at a later date. Pall bearers will be (son) Matthew Perdew; (grandsons) Denning Miles Perdew III, Steven Lewis Perdew, Nathan Von Sien Perdew; (grandson-in-law) Bradley Smith; and (son-in-law) Robert Wilson.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the staff of Hillcrest Retirement Community in La Verne, the Arcadia Methodist Hospital, and VITAS Hospice and Palliative Care for their kind support in his final days.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in honor of Jack Perdew may be made to the Arcadia Methodist Hospital Foundation, Hillcrest Retirement Community in La Verne or VITAS Healthcare in Covina.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Live Oak Mortuary in Monrovia, CA.
Decorations Awarded Col. Denning M. Perdew:
WWIIVM (World War II Victory Medal); APLM (Asiatic Pacific Service Medal); AOM; KSM (Korean Service Medal): NSDM (National Service Defense Medal); AFSLA; VSM; RVCM (Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal); AFOUA (Air Force Outstanding Unit Award); AFM; AM (Air Medal 20LC); DFC (Distinguished Flying Cross); AFCM (Air Force Commendation Medal); JSCM (Joint Service Commendation Medal).
In about 1925, Jack journeyed by automobile with his father, E. E. Perdew and E. E.'s brother-in-law, Charlie Brown, to the Imperial Valley. While in camp, E.E. built a swing out of an old tire for his son, and Jack remembers enjoying that swing and tasting hominy for the first time. He remembers it as being some of the greatest food he ever had and still loves it to this day. Later that day, while E.E. and his son were still in camp, it was getting dark and E.E. was getting concerned that Charlie hadn't returned yet. About that time, he heard sounds which he at first believed to be a cow mooing. Based on his anxiety that it might be Charlie, he went out looking for him in the direction of the sounds, and found a very determined Charlie, who was calling for help while carrying a large grinding stone, unwilling to leave his treasure behind.
Charlie Brown had a large barn on his property in Cucamonga where he kept a wagon, a pair of mules and hay to feed them. Charlie lent his wagon and mules to his brother-in-law, E. E. Perdew, who used them one day to load up the prunings from citrus trees to transport them to dispose of them in an arroyo nearby. While unloading the brush, something spooked the mules, and they took off at a full gallup, causing E.E's five year old son, Jack, to topple off of the springboard seat and fall to the ground, where he was run over by the iron-shod wooden wheels. While it was traumatic, there were no real injuries, and E.E. ignored the mules, picking up his crying son, knowing the mules would tire and stop. The mules and the wagon were recovered the same day.
From Jack's eulogy for his younger brother, Bob:
"Being raised on a ranch, there was always plenty of work and our dad had to call on us for help; driving a tractor, smudging and filling the pots in the winter, irrigating in the summer, maintaining and servicing the farm equipment, and there were always a lot of blisters to be had at the end of a pick and shovel. There was one chore at which Bob developed considerable expertise and wound up with it as his responsibility: milking the family cow. Somehow, to my disappointment, I never developed a knack for it. There was much work to do. Yet there was time to go to school and to have a little fun playing games, hunting rabbits and coyotes and swimming in the reservoir that was just across the street from our house.
Some of the games we played wouldn't be recognizable for today's generations. We didn't have TVs or electronic games. They hadn't been invented yet. We had a lot of fun though playing hide and seek, kick the can, tippy-cat and others that I can't recall. I do remember racing around through the lemon grove, picking off fruit as we ran and throwing them at each other. It really smarted when you were hit by one of them and it was upsetting to our next door neighbor who was also a fruit grower. He reported us to our dad.
I recall that we once removed the rubber tires from our little red wagon and beat the outer edges of the wheels together to where they were about the thickness of an ice skate runner. We then took the wagon up to the top of Archibald avenue which is very steep near the foothills and enjoyed a high speed and dangerous ride. On another occasion, we took our bicycles several miles up to a forestry service dirt road on the mountain just behind the church and then coasted down at a high rate of speed. On most of this wild ride, there were steep drop-offs and no guard rails. We survived those hills and created a lot of good memories. I'm pretty sure we didn't share them with our parents. We wouldn't have wanted them to worry."
In the Apr. 19, 1930 U.S. census, 8 yr. old 'Demming' (Denning) Perdew, b. in CA., was living at 295 Archibald St. in Cucamonga Twp., San Bernardino Co., CA., with his
38 yr. old father, Earnest E. Perdew, a citrus farmer, b. in CA.
40 yr. old mother, Clara (no occupation listed), b. in MN.
9 yr. old sister, Dorothy Perdew, b. in CA.
5 yr. old brother, Robert Perdew, b. in CA.
2 yr. 10 mth. old sister, Katherine Perdew, b. in CA.
Earnest was 26 yrs. old and Clara was 28 when they married.
Earnest's parents were both b. in CA.
Clara's parents were both b. in Germany.
*Note about "Jack's" name: When he was born, his father, Earnest E. Perdew filled out the form for his birth certificate, naming him: "Deming" Miles Perdew - after Earnest's best friend and Congressional Medal of Honor winner In WWI, Deming Bronson.
The hospital misread his handwriting, mistaking the "m" as "nn" and registered him as "Denning" Miles Perdew - and he just never got around to officially correcting it - maybe also because no one in the family ever called him "Deming/Denning" - but always by the nickname his sister, Dorothy, had given him as a child: "Jack."
The following childhood recollections were written by 'Jack' Perdew:
"As you know, I was born in the San Antonio Community Hospital in Upland, California. Attending physician was Dr. Arthur Weber. At the time my mother and father lived on the corner of Ely Street and Euclid Avenue, where my father and his brother, Howard, operated a dairy. The main dairy buildings, including another home, was just to the east of our house a quarter of a mile or less. I am guessing that the property was purchased an owned by Howard inasmuch as he received a CALVET loan at this time (he was eligible as a WWI veteran).And, I think that this home housed (my grandparents) J. E. and Nettie and some of their kids. The field between the two homes was planted to alfalfa and it was this field that I wandered out into while Dad was mowing the crop. I was barefoot and the remaining portion of the alfalfa plants, which had been cut to almost ground level, stuck up out of the ground and I discovered that it was painful to walk on them and stood in one place crying until Dad got off the tractor and rescued me.
Lydia Beese was staying with us and it was probably there that she met her future husband, Clarence Beekman. He visited the dairy in an official capacity as a government employee charged with testing the milk for tuberculosis. It was also there at the Euclid & Ely location that Lydia crashed Dad's Studebaker car (with my sister and me inside) into the Eucalyptus trees that lined the driveway to the house. She made the turn but failed to discontinue the turn after she was into the driveway. It must have been embarrassing for her but no serious injuries.
The dairy business evidently was not a success and was abandoned after a short period (a year or two or so, I don't know). But I must have been a couple of years old when we moved to (my uncle-in-law) Charlie Brown's property on Archibald Avenue in Cucamonga, CA. He owned 20 acres of land planted to orange trees. The property had two houses. Our home was adequate but probably not as large as Charlie's residence. I don't know what sort of agreement existed with Charlie, but I do know that Dad did do work, at least part time, on the ranch and that included smudging and irrigating. He also did box making for whatever grape grower could provide employment. I do know that he did work for a person that he pronounced like 'laugh-a-kade', but I am guessing that it was a grower by the name of John LaFourcade who owned one of the largest vineyards in California. LaFourcade's work in creating his vineyards was an epic struggle. I do recall at least one day where I accompanied my dad to his work site alongside a railroad siding on Millikin Avenue in Cucamonga. Dad had his own apparatus for holding the parts while they were being nailed together and a nail stripper (which allowed the nails to gather in a line in a down-sloping parallel-wire channel where a quantity, probably 6 to 8, could be grasped with his left hand and be then implanted into the box making materials. The shook was provided by the grower and the equipment by the worker. Shook, according to Webster's dictionary, is a 'bundle of parts (as of boxes) ready to be put together'. The preferred tool for box making was not a hammer, instead a hatchet was used. Usually one blow would set the nail and another seat it. A box could be produced in less than a minute. Boxes were then filled with fresh grapes and then loaded into the nearby railway boxcar. I remember that it was hot in the middle of a vineyard with no shade, but Dad must surely have rigged some sort of shade for his work. Dad usually rode the bus from corner of Foothill Blvd. and Archibald Ave. to Millikin Avenue on the eastern side of Cucamonga. He was usually accompanied by a German Shepherd dog. Dad used to tell the story that one day he left the dog behind so the dog, on his own, boarded the bus and debarked at the right place and joined him at work."
The San Bernardino Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 15, Col. 2-3
Sat., Sep. 24, 1932
Excerpt from: Cucamonga Sunday School To Give 'Truth' Pageant
CUCAMONGA, Sept. 23 - The members of the Sunday school of the Cucamonga Community church will present a pageant, "The Coming of Truth", in the church auditorium Sunday evening, Sept. 25, at 7:30. The pageant portrays Christian teaching as the key to the world's redemption. It points to the Sunday School as the chief agency for teaching religion. "World" is represented as seeking freedom from bondage. Spirits of nearly every aspect of society fail to bring deliverance. "The church appears and promises freedom through "truth". There follows a panorama of Christian education as the "way", the "Truth" and "Life",in which the youngest member of the congregation - an eight-weeks-old baby, up to the eldest members of the church are participants.
Primary department recitation,Art Hughes, Bob Perdew, Marvin Billings, Jack Perdew, Bruce Monkman, Helen Hawker (and 28 others).
The San Bernardino Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 1, Col. 4
Tue., Jul. 7, 1936
Neighboring Miners Tell of Tragedy
He died about 7:30 p.m. yesterday. His body was still at the hospital at a late hour last night, pending orders from the coroner for its disposition.
Two miners, Jack Daley and Jack Perdew who heard the shots in their nearby cabin, rushed to Kessler's house and discovered the body of Mrs. Kessler.
Kessler had gone a short distance from the house before shooting himself and the miners thought he was dead.
According to Denning M. Perdew's U.S., World War II Army Enlistment Records, his civil occupation as: 'actor'. (*While he was described by many who knew him as 'movie star handsome', when asked about this, he was mystified and amused, stating that he had never been an actor nor had any ambition to be one.) He was described as 6'2" tall, weighing 173 lbs. His education included two years of college.
In the 1946 Ontario, CA. City Directory, 'Demming' M. Perdew was living at 1673 N. Archibald Av. with his father, Earnest E. Perdew, sisters, Dorothy J. and Kathryn B. Perdew and brother, Robert E. Perdew. His youngest sibling, 7 y. old Richard V. Perdew was also living there - but maybe too young to list in the directory.
On May 7, 1946, Denning Miles Perdew and Ruth Cora Lewis were married by Gene Ward, a Justice of the Peace, at the courthouse in Las Vegas, Clark County, NV. (one block South Fremont between Second and Third).
The Courier-Journal (Louisville, KY.), P. 8, Col. 6
Sat., Feb. 19, 1949
Buzzard Attacks, Tears Hole In B-26 In His Last Buzz
Smyrna, Tenn., Feb. 18 - A dive-bombing buzzard made an attack on a bomber here and came out second.
The buzzard-bomber encounter came off yesterday when Capt. Denning M. Perdew, Alta Loma, Cal., was bringing his B-26 in for a landing after a flight from Greenville, S.C.
Perdew said the bird attacked "smack on at 12 o'clock," the impact tearing a hole bigger than the buzzard in the bomber's nose. Feathers were scattered all over the flying gear of Sgy. Richard A. Mention, Miami.
Perdew brought the damaged plane in without mishap. The flier, veteran of 54 combat missions in the China-Burma-India Theater, said the noise of the collision was like that of a 20-millimeter shell tearing through.
(From a San Bernardino County newspaper clipping, approx. Jun. 1960)
Air Force Laurels Go To Alta Loman's Son
ALTA LOMA - The son of an Alta Loma man has been presented with the Air Force Commendation Medal at Forbes Air Force Base, Kan.
He is Lt. Col. Denning M. Perdew, son of Ernest (Earnest) E. Perdew, of 6295 Archibald Ave., Alta Loma.
The army officer was decorated at the Kansas air base recently before leaving for an assignment to the Central Europe Allied Air Forces headquarters at Fontainebleau, France. His wife and three children accompanied him to his new assignment.
He was cited for "sustained meritorious service" between Aug. 1, 1956 and June 15, 1959. The presentation was made at change of command ceremonies.
Included in his citation was a report on his progression from pilot to aircraft commander, a news release from headquarters of the 21st Air Division at Forbes Air Force Base said.
Perdew commanded both the 90th Armament and Electronics Squadron and the 321st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron. He established records in both, the release said.
While commander of the 321st Squadron, the colonel maintained an 88.3 per cent rate for aircraft airborne on schedule, a record in the 90th Wing. In addition, he lead the 321st through the transition from a reconnaissance squadron to a student training unit.
The Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 20, Col. 1
Thu., Aug. 6, 1959
With County Men in Service
Lt. Col. Denning M. Perdew, son of Ernest E. Perdew, Alta Loma, and former commander of the 90th Armament and Electronics Squadron, received the Air Force Commendation Medal at Forbes Air Force Base, Kan., in change-of-command ceremonies held prior to his departure for an assignment at Central Europe Allied Air Force headquarters at Fontainebleau, France.
Col Perdew was cited for "sustained meritorious service during the period Aug. 1, 1956 through June 15, 1959."
Included in his citation was report on his progression from pilot to aircraft commander. He has commanded both the 90th Armament and Electronics Squadron and the 321st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron, recording outstanding records in both organizations.
The Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 20, Col. 5-6
Tue., Jun. 7, 1960
(Below the picture, it reads): AWARDED MEDAL - Lieutenant Colonel Denning M. Perdew, USAF, receives words of congratulations from Major General Don O. Darrow, USAF, Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations at Headquarters, Allied Air Forces Central Europe (AIRCENT). Colonel Perdew was awarded the U.S. Air Force commendation medal while assigned with the 90th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing, Forbes Air Force Base, Kansas. (AIRCENT photo)
Lt. Col. Perdew Decorated In France by U.S. Air Force
ALTA LOMA - Lt. Col. Denning M. Perdew, U.S. Air Force, son of Earnest E. Perdew of N. Archibald Ave., Alta Loma, was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal for his "meritorious service" while assigned with the 90th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing, Forbes Air Force base, Kansas.
Presenting the award was Maj. General Don O. Darrow, deputy chief of staff of operations at Headquarters Allied Air Forces Central Europe, NATO's largest air arm at Fontainebleau, France.
Col. Perdew, who entered the service in Jan. 1942 was cited for "his initiative and devotion to duty… by the adoption of second Air Force of an analysis system for armament and electronics data researched and further developed under his direction."
Col. Perdew, in Fontainebleau, 38 miles southeast of Paris, is chief of Nuclear Programs Branch, Operations Policy Division of Headquarters Allied Air Forces Central Europe. He serves side by side with officers and airmen from 7 NATO nations, including France, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Canada, The Netherlands, Germany and the United States.
Col. Perdew, a graduate of Chaffey College, served in China from Dec. '43 to Nov. '44 and Okinawa from Oct. '49 to May '52. His decorations include the Air Medal and the Distinguished Flying Cross.
His wife Ruth and four children, Brenda, Denning, Chloe and Matthew, are presently with him in France.
The first two of four paragraphs of a letter, addressed to Lt. Col. Denning M. Perdew and dated September, 1960, from: The University of Maryland, European Division
Dear Colonel Perdew,
I am very happy to inform you that you have been awarded a Scholastic Achievement Medallion for the Fifth Term, 1959-1960. During that period, only eighteen students of the 4,482 enrolled in the Overseas Program of the University of Maryland appeared on the Dean's List with an "A" average.You have every reason for pride in achieving that distinction.
We of the Overseas Staff of the University of Maryland appreciate the perseverance and sound scholarship revealed by your record, the more so since we realize that it was attained through the consistent use of your limited free time. In congratulating you on your superior performance, we believe that your efforts for self-development have not only served your own interests but also the mission of the Armed Forces.
Sincerely,
Herman Beukema, Brig. Gen., USA, Ret., Director Overseas Program
(From a San Bernardino County newspaper clipping, sometime between Jan. '67 and Jun. '68)
VIETNAM COMMAND
Son of Area Man Heads Squadron
ALTA LOMA - Lt. Col. Denning Perdew, whose father, Ernest (Earnest) E. Perdew resides at 9348 La Vine St., recently assumed command of the 772nd Tactical Airlift Squadron, based in Mactan, Vietnam.
Perdew, a former World War II B-25 pilot, replaces Col. Miles League.
Perdew is a 1939 graduate of Chaffey High School and a 1941 graduate of Chaffey College.
His family, who reside in Rosemead, includes his wife, Ruth and their four children, Brenda, Denning Jr., Chloe and Matthew.
Perdew was serving at the Aerospace Studies Institute at Maxwell AFB, Ala., when he volunteered for Southeast Asia duty. He went to Mactan after completing flight re-training at Stewart AFB., Ten., and Pope AFB, N.C.
As a pilot in World War II, he flew 55 B-25 combat missions from 1943-44 in the Chinese theatre of operations.
321st Commander
He commanded the 321st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron and the 90th Armament and Electronics Squadron at Forbes AFB, Kan., from 1956-59, served with Allied Air Forces Central Europe, NATO, in Fontainebleau, France, from 1959-1961, and was a member of the Joint Strategic Target Planning Staff, SAC headquarters, Offutt AFB, Neb., from 1961-65.
Perdew has flown B-25, B-26, A-26, A-51, C-46, C-47, RB-47, and other aircraft throughout his Air Force career.
From a newspaper clipping:Lt. Col. Lewis Dunagan had a new experience in his badminton history as he was shunted to the losers' bracket 15-7 and 15-10, by Lt. Col. Denning Perdew. Col. Perdew now faces Colonel Winingham in the quarter-finals of the second flight.
During his stay in Southeast Asia, 'Jack' stayed in shape by playing badminton and tennis with his fellow officers. On one such occasion, he received a hard blow to the eye with a tennis ball, and he spent days in the infirmary with both eyes bandaged. Jack and his beloved 'Dude' were accustomed to exchanging letters every day without fail - and in spite of his injuries, he continued to write to her 'blindly', while he was laid up.
From: Commander Denning M. Perdew's Comments:
It is my desire to convey to all personnel assigned to the 772TAS my appreciation for the long and ordious [sic] (odious? tedious?) hours of labor contributed in preparation for the 13th Air Force Inspection. I am pleased with the results of the inspection and especially proud of the fine showing our barracks made with the inspecting officials. Their comments were praiseworthy and it was also their contention that our barracks were the finest they had seen anywhere in the Philippines or Taiwan. Let's not become complacent now that we have achieved some measure of success as a unit. We need to bear in mind that the total effort of every man assigned is necessary in order that we function effectively and efficiently. Thanks again "Red Hats".
Denning M. Perdew, LtCol, USAF, Commander
Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, CA.), P. 443, Col. 1-2
Thu., Oct. 4, 1990
Excerpt from: Lobstermen Feel Pinch of Rough Surf as Season Opens
Lobstermen took to the seas Wednesday with the opening of the new lobster season, but a strong surf apparently limited their success on what is considered their most lucrative day.
Varying surf, weather conditions and the harvesting of legal-size stock from the lobster beds from San Diego to Santa Barbara cause the amount of California spiny lobsters caught by commercial and private lobstermen to drop dramatically as the season progresses toward its March 20 closing.
Jack Perdew, who has been trapping lobsters in the ocean along Encinitas, Del Mar and Cardiff for 19 years, seemed to have one of the day's bigger takes at 600 pounds.
"I couldn't even get to all of my (200) traps today, maybe three-quarters of them, so I don't know my total (first-day catch)," Perdew said.
Local lobstermen were receiving $5.50 per pound from wholesalers, up 50 cents from last year. The average restaurant price for a lobster dinner is $19.
Denning M. Perdew's July 20-21, 2017, San Gabriel Valley Tribune obituary:
Col. Denning Miles 'Jack' Perdew, 95, was ushered into the arms of his Savior at 11:29 p.m. on Monday, July 17, 2017 at Arcadia Methodist Hospital, Arcadia, CA. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God supported him in his time of need and ultimately gave him peace. A fifth generation Californian, he was known by a wide circle of family, friends, and acquaintances as a man of great integrity with a kind, gentle, godly spirit. His life was a living example of his faith.
Born December 13, 1921 at San Antonio Community Hospital in Upland, CA., the second of five children of Earnest Edwin Perdew and Clara Dora Von Sien, Jack was a graduate of Chaffey High School in Ontario, CA. (class of 1939). He attended courses through the University of Maryland in Fontainebleau, France and earned a Bachelor's Degree in General Education at the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 1964 as well as a Master's Degree in International Affairs from George Washington University, Washington D.C. in 1966.
On May 7, 1946, he married the love of his life, Ruth C. 'Dude' Lewis. They were married for sixty-five happy years and were just as much in love when she passed away in 2012 as the day they met. Jack and Dude were long-time residents for 50 years atop a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Cardiff by the Sea, CA., where Jack lovingly cared for Dude throughout her struggle with Alzheimer's disease until her death.
In January of 1942, Jack enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a pilot. As a Captain in the 11th Bomb Squadron of the 14th Air Force with headquarters in China, during the war, he flew 54 missions in his 11 months overseas. For meritorious combat services, he received the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal. His thirty year career included a tour of duty in Okinawa (1949-1952); two assignments at the Pentagon (1952-1955 as Staff Officer, Office of the Assistant for Atomic Energy to the Deputy Chief of Staff and 1968-1971 as an action officer in the Plans and Policy Division of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Staff Officer, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Headquarters Allied Air Forces Central Europe at Fontainebleau, France 1959-1960); Staff Officer with the Office of SACEUR (Supreme Allied Commander in Europe)'s Representative to the Joint Strategic Planning Staff at Offutt AFB, Nebraska (1960-1965), was Tactical Airlift Squadron Commander at Mactan Air Base in the Philippines (1967-1968), and volunteered twice for Vietnam. From 1972-1973, he served as Vice-Commander of the 14th Special Operations Wing at Phan Rang Air Base.
After retiring from the Air Force at the age of 52, it became apparent that he wasn't going to be content spending the rest of his life playing golf, so he leased a Cessna 150 aircraft and flew as a spotter for a sword fish boat. His job was to find fish and direct the boat to where they could be spotted and harpooned. The new venture was not successful; starting on the day he leased the aircraft, there wasn't another swordfish landed on the Pacific Coast for that season. He reluctantly returned the aircraft to its owner and bought a diesel boat, spending the next twenty years working as a commercial fisherman in San Diego, fifteen of which he served as President of the Southern California Lobster Fishermen's Association,
Jack had a heart for those in need. Twice a month for fourteen years, he and his wife Ruth dedicated themselves to the mission of personally purchasing and delivering food to orphanages in Tijuana and Tecate, Mexico, where the children referred to him as 'Abuelito Jack'. In addition, for years, he sponsored a child through Highlands Education International in Jalingo, Nigeria, investing in the child's Christian education and training.
Jack's absence leaves a hole in the lives of his family and friends that can never be fully measured.
He enjoyed Dodger games, working Sudoku puzzles, flying glider planes and bicycling up until a few years before his death.
Jack was the proud and devoted father of four children: Brenda (Robert) Wilson, West Covina, CA; Denning Jr. (Teresa) Perdew, who predeceased him; Chloe Perdew, Arcadia, CA.; and Matt Perdew, Ocean Beach in San Diego, CA.; He was also the proud and attentive grandfather of nine amazing grandchildren, Diana Murrell, Lori Goetz, Terry Raleigh, Carlene McCallister, Denning Miles Perdew III, Sara Ann Woody, Steven Lewis Perdew, Kimberly Anne Smith, and Nathan Von Sien Perdew; 11 great grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren. All of these he loved and touched deeply and he will be dearly missed. He is also survived by a sister, Kathryn Osborne of Rancho Cucamonga.
Jack was a long-time member of the Covenant Keepers' Bible Study class at Grace Church of Glendora.
His family has organized a memorial service at the Hillcrest Meeting House, 2701 Mountain View Drive, La Verne, CA. with interment at Riverside National Cemetery at a later date. Pall bearers will be (son) Matthew Perdew; (grandsons) Denning Miles Perdew III, Steven Lewis Perdew, Nathan Von Sien Perdew; (grandson-in-law) Bradley Smith; and (son-in-law) Robert Wilson.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the staff of Hillcrest Retirement Community in La Verne, the Arcadia Methodist Hospital, and VITAS Hospice and Palliative Care for their kind support in his final days.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in honor of Jack Perdew may be made to the Arcadia Methodist Hospital Foundation, Hillcrest Retirement Community in La Verne or VITAS Healthcare in Covina.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Live Oak Mortuary in Monrovia, CA.
Decorations Awarded Col. Denning M. Perdew:
WWIIVM (World War II Victory Medal); APLM (Asiatic Pacific Service Medal); AOM; KSM (Korean Service Medal): NSDM (National Service Defense Medal); AFSLA; VSM; RVCM (Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal); AFOUA (Air Force Outstanding Unit Award); AFM; AM (Air Medal 20LC); DFC (Distinguished Flying Cross); AFCM (Air Force Commendation Medal); JSCM (Joint Service Commendation Medal).
My dear Dad.. my hero. God guided his heart and filled his passion to serve others and his country with honor and respect. His accomplishments were many and he touched the lives of so many.
In about 1925, Jack journeyed by automobile with his father, E. E. Perdew and E. E.'s brother-in-law, Charlie Brown, to the Imperial Valley. While in camp, E.E. built a swing out of an old tire for his son, and Jack remembers enjoying that swing and tasting hominy for the first time. He remembers it as being some of the greatest food he ever had and still loves it to this day. Later that day, while E.E. and his son were still in camp, it was getting dark and E.E. was getting concerned that Charlie hadn't returned yet. About that time, he heard sounds which he at first believed to be a cow mooing. Based on his anxiety that it might be Charlie, he went out looking for him in the direction of the sounds, and found a very determined Charlie, who was calling for help while carrying a large grinding stone, unwilling to leave his treasure behind.
Charlie Brown had a large barn on his property in Cucamonga where he kept a wagon, a pair of mules and hay to feed them. Charlie lent his wagon and mules to his brother-in-law, E. E. Perdew, who used them one day to load up the prunings from citrus trees to transport them to dispose of them in an arroyo nearby. While unloading the brush, something spooked the mules, and they took off at a full gallup, causing E.E's five year old son, Jack, to topple off of the springboard seat and fall to the ground, where he was run over by the iron-shod wooden wheels. While it was traumatic, there were no real injuries, and E.E. ignored the mules, picking up his crying son, knowing the mules would tire and stop. The mules and the wagon were recovered the same day.
From Jack's eulogy for his younger brother, Bob:
"Being raised on a ranch, there was always plenty of work and our dad had to call on us for help; driving a tractor, smudging and filling the pots in the winter, irrigating in the summer, maintaining and servicing the farm equipment, and there were always a lot of blisters to be had at the end of a pick and shovel. There was one chore at which Bob developed considerable expertise and wound up with it as his responsibility: milking the family cow. Somehow, to my disappointment, I never developed a knack for it. There was much work to do. Yet there was time to go to school and to have a little fun playing games, hunting rabbits and coyotes and swimming in the reservoir that was just across the street from our house.
Some of the games we played wouldn't be recognizable for today's generations. We didn't have TVs or electronic games. They hadn't been invented yet. We had a lot of fun though playing hide and seek, kick the can, tippy-cat and others that I can't recall. I do remember racing around through the lemon grove, picking off fruit as we ran and throwing them at each other. It really smarted when you were hit by one of them and it was upsetting to our next door neighbor who was also a fruit grower. He reported us to our dad.
I recall that we once removed the rubber tires from our little red wagon and beat the outer edges of the wheels together to where they were about the thickness of an ice skate runner. We then took the wagon up to the top of Archibald avenue which is very steep near the foothills and enjoyed a high speed and dangerous ride. On another occasion, we took our bicycles several miles up to a forestry service dirt road on the mountain just behind the church and then coasted down at a high rate of speed. On most of this wild ride, there were steep drop-offs and no guard rails. We survived those hills and created a lot of good memories. I'm pretty sure we didn't share them with our parents. We wouldn't have wanted them to worry."
In the Apr. 19, 1930 U.S. census, 8 yr. old 'Demming' (Denning) Perdew, b. in CA., was living at 295 Archibald St. in Cucamonga Twp., San Bernardino Co., CA., with his
38 yr. old father, Earnest E. Perdew, a citrus farmer, b. in CA.
40 yr. old mother, Clara (no occupation listed), b. in MN.
9 yr. old sister, Dorothy Perdew, b. in CA.
5 yr. old brother, Robert Perdew, b. in CA.
2 yr. 10 mth. old sister, Katherine Perdew, b. in CA.
Earnest was 26 yrs. old and Clara was 28 when they married.
Earnest's parents were both b. in CA.
Clara's parents were both b. in Germany.
*Note about "Jack's" name: When he was born, his father, Earnest E. Perdew filled out the form for his birth certificate, naming him: "Deming" Miles Perdew - after Earnest's best friend and Congressional Medal of Honor winner In WWI, Deming Bronson.
The hospital misread his handwriting, mistaking the "m" as "nn" and registered him as "Denning" Miles Perdew - and he just never got around to officially correcting it - maybe also because no one in the family ever called him "Deming/Denning" - but always by the nickname his sister, Dorothy, had given him as a child: "Jack."
The following childhood recollections were written by 'Jack' Perdew:
"As you know, I was born in the San Antonio Community Hospital in Upland, California. Attending physician was Dr. Arthur Weber. At the time my mother and father lived on the corner of Ely Street and Euclid Avenue, where my father and his brother, Howard, operated a dairy. The main dairy buildings, including another home, was just to the east of our house a quarter of a mile or less. I am guessing that the property was purchased an owned by Howard inasmuch as he received a CALVET loan at this time (he was eligible as a WWI veteran).And, I think that this home housed (my grandparents) J. E. and Nettie and some of their kids. The field between the two homes was planted to alfalfa and it was this field that I wandered out into while Dad was mowing the crop. I was barefoot and the remaining portion of the alfalfa plants, which had been cut to almost ground level, stuck up out of the ground and I discovered that it was painful to walk on them and stood in one place crying until Dad got off the tractor and rescued me.
Lydia Beese was staying with us and it was probably there that she met her future husband, Clarence Beekman. He visited the dairy in an official capacity as a government employee charged with testing the milk for tuberculosis. It was also there at the Euclid & Ely location that Lydia crashed Dad's Studebaker car (with my sister and me inside) into the Eucalyptus trees that lined the driveway to the house. She made the turn but failed to discontinue the turn after she was into the driveway. It must have been embarrassing for her but no serious injuries.
The dairy business evidently was not a success and was abandoned after a short period (a year or two or so, I don't know). But I must have been a couple of years old when we moved to (my uncle-in-law) Charlie Brown's property on Archibald Avenue in Cucamonga, CA. He owned 20 acres of land planted to orange trees. The property had two houses. Our home was adequate but probably not as large as Charlie's residence. I don't know what sort of agreement existed with Charlie, but I do know that Dad did do work, at least part time, on the ranch and that included smudging and irrigating. He also did box making for whatever grape grower could provide employment. I do know that he did work for a person that he pronounced like 'laugh-a-kade', but I am guessing that it was a grower by the name of John LaFourcade who owned one of the largest vineyards in California. LaFourcade's work in creating his vineyards was an epic struggle. I do recall at least one day where I accompanied my dad to his work site alongside a railroad siding on Millikin Avenue in Cucamonga. Dad had his own apparatus for holding the parts while they were being nailed together and a nail stripper (which allowed the nails to gather in a line in a down-sloping parallel-wire channel where a quantity, probably 6 to 8, could be grasped with his left hand and be then implanted into the box making materials. The shook was provided by the grower and the equipment by the worker. Shook, according to Webster's dictionary, is a 'bundle of parts (as of boxes) ready to be put together'. The preferred tool for box making was not a hammer, instead a hatchet was used. Usually one blow would set the nail and another seat it. A box could be produced in less than a minute. Boxes were then filled with fresh grapes and then loaded into the nearby railway boxcar. I remember that it was hot in the middle of a vineyard with no shade, but Dad must surely have rigged some sort of shade for his work. Dad usually rode the bus from corner of Foothill Blvd. and Archibald Ave. to Millikin Avenue on the eastern side of Cucamonga. He was usually accompanied by a German Shepherd dog. Dad used to tell the story that one day he left the dog behind so the dog, on his own, boarded the bus and debarked at the right place and joined him at work."
The San Bernardino Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 15, Col. 2-3
Sat., Sep. 24, 1932
Excerpt from: Cucamonga Sunday School To Give 'Truth' Pageant
CUCAMONGA, Sept. 23 - The members of the Sunday school of the Cucamonga Community church will present a pageant, "The Coming of Truth", in the church auditorium Sunday evening, Sept. 25, at 7:30. The pageant portrays Christian teaching as the key to the world's redemption. It points to the Sunday School as the chief agency for teaching religion. "World" is represented as seeking freedom from bondage. Spirits of nearly every aspect of society fail to bring deliverance. "The church appears and promises freedom through "truth". There follows a panorama of Christian education as the "way", the "Truth" and "Life",in which the youngest member of the congregation - an eight-weeks-old baby, up to the eldest members of the church are participants.
Primary department recitation,Art Hughes, Bob Perdew, Marvin Billings, Jack Perdew, Bruce Monkman, Helen Hawker (and 28 others).
The San Bernardino Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 1, Col. 4
Tue., Jul. 7, 1936
Neighboring Miners Tell of Tragedy
He died about 7:30 p.m. yesterday. His body was still at the hospital at a late hour last night, pending orders from the coroner for its disposition.
Two miners, Jack Daley and Jack Perdew who heard the shots in their nearby cabin, rushed to Kessler's house and discovered the body of Mrs. Kessler.
Kessler had gone a short distance from the house before shooting himself and the miners thought he was dead.
According to Denning M. Perdew's U.S., World War II Army Enlistment Records, his civil occupation as: 'actor'. (*While he was described by many who knew him as 'movie star handsome', when asked about this, he was mystified and amused, stating that he had never been an actor nor had any ambition to be one.) He was described as 6'2" tall, weighing 173 lbs. His education included two years of college.
In the 1946 Ontario, CA. City Directory, 'Demming' M. Perdew was living at 1673 N. Archibald Av. with his father, Earnest E. Perdew, sisters, Dorothy J. and Kathryn B. Perdew and brother, Robert E. Perdew. His youngest sibling, 7 y. old Richard V. Perdew was also living there - but maybe too young to list in the directory.
On May 7, 1946, Denning Miles Perdew and Ruth Cora Lewis were married by Gene Ward, a Justice of the Peace, at the courthouse in Las Vegas, Clark County, NV. (one block South Fremont between Second and Third).
The Courier-Journal (Louisville, KY.), P. 8, Col. 6
Sat., Feb. 19, 1949
Buzzard Attacks, Tears Hole In B-26 In His Last Buzz
Smyrna, Tenn., Feb. 18 - A dive-bombing buzzard made an attack on a bomber here and came out second.
The buzzard-bomber encounter came off yesterday when Capt. Denning M. Perdew, Alta Loma, Cal., was bringing his B-26 in for a landing after a flight from Greenville, S.C.
Perdew said the bird attacked "smack on at 12 o'clock," the impact tearing a hole bigger than the buzzard in the bomber's nose. Feathers were scattered all over the flying gear of Sgy. Richard A. Mention, Miami.
Perdew brought the damaged plane in without mishap. The flier, veteran of 54 combat missions in the China-Burma-India Theater, said the noise of the collision was like that of a 20-millimeter shell tearing through.
(From a San Bernardino County newspaper clipping, approx. Jun. 1960)
Air Force Laurels Go To Alta Loman's Son
ALTA LOMA - The son of an Alta Loma man has been presented with the Air Force Commendation Medal at Forbes Air Force Base, Kan.
He is Lt. Col. Denning M. Perdew, son of Ernest (Earnest) E. Perdew, of 6295 Archibald Ave., Alta Loma.
The army officer was decorated at the Kansas air base recently before leaving for an assignment to the Central Europe Allied Air Forces headquarters at Fontainebleau, France. His wife and three children accompanied him to his new assignment.
He was cited for "sustained meritorious service" between Aug. 1, 1956 and June 15, 1959. The presentation was made at change of command ceremonies.
Included in his citation was a report on his progression from pilot to aircraft commander, a news release from headquarters of the 21st Air Division at Forbes Air Force Base said.
Perdew commanded both the 90th Armament and Electronics Squadron and the 321st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron. He established records in both, the release said.
While commander of the 321st Squadron, the colonel maintained an 88.3 per cent rate for aircraft airborne on schedule, a record in the 90th Wing. In addition, he lead the 321st through the transition from a reconnaissance squadron to a student training unit.
The Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 20, Col. 1
Thu., Aug. 6, 1959
With County Men in Service
Lt. Col. Denning M. Perdew, son of Ernest E. Perdew, Alta Loma, and former commander of the 90th Armament and Electronics Squadron, received the Air Force Commendation Medal at Forbes Air Force Base, Kan., in change-of-command ceremonies held prior to his departure for an assignment at Central Europe Allied Air Force headquarters at Fontainebleau, France.
Col Perdew was cited for "sustained meritorious service during the period Aug. 1, 1956 through June 15, 1959."
Included in his citation was report on his progression from pilot to aircraft commander. He has commanded both the 90th Armament and Electronics Squadron and the 321st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron, recording outstanding records in both organizations.
The Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 20, Col. 5-6
Tue., Jun. 7, 1960
(Below the picture, it reads): AWARDED MEDAL - Lieutenant Colonel Denning M. Perdew, USAF, receives words of congratulations from Major General Don O. Darrow, USAF, Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations at Headquarters, Allied Air Forces Central Europe (AIRCENT). Colonel Perdew was awarded the U.S. Air Force commendation medal while assigned with the 90th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing, Forbes Air Force Base, Kansas. (AIRCENT photo)
Lt. Col. Perdew Decorated In France by U.S. Air Force
ALTA LOMA - Lt. Col. Denning M. Perdew, U.S. Air Force, son of Earnest E. Perdew of N. Archibald Ave., Alta Loma, was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal for his "meritorious service" while assigned with the 90th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing, Forbes Air Force base, Kansas.
Presenting the award was Maj. General Don O. Darrow, deputy chief of staff of operations at Headquarters Allied Air Forces Central Europe, NATO's largest air arm at Fontainebleau, France.
Col. Perdew, who entered the service in Jan. 1942 was cited for "his initiative and devotion to duty… by the adoption of second Air Force of an analysis system for armament and electronics data researched and further developed under his direction."
Col. Perdew, in Fontainebleau, 38 miles southeast of Paris, is chief of Nuclear Programs Branch, Operations Policy Division of Headquarters Allied Air Forces Central Europe. He serves side by side with officers and airmen from 7 NATO nations, including France, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Canada, The Netherlands, Germany and the United States.
Col. Perdew, a graduate of Chaffey College, served in China from Dec. '43 to Nov. '44 and Okinawa from Oct. '49 to May '52. His decorations include the Air Medal and the Distinguished Flying Cross.
His wife Ruth and four children, Brenda, Denning, Chloe and Matthew, are presently with him in France.
The first two of four paragraphs of a letter, addressed to Lt. Col. Denning M. Perdew and dated September, 1960, from: The University of Maryland, European Division
Dear Colonel Perdew,
I am very happy to inform you that you have been awarded a Scholastic Achievement Medallion for the Fifth Term, 1959-1960. During that period, only eighteen students of the 4,482 enrolled in the Overseas Program of the University of Maryland appeared on the Dean's List with an "A" average.You have every reason for pride in achieving that distinction.
We of the Overseas Staff of the University of Maryland appreciate the perseverance and sound scholarship revealed by your record, the more so since we realize that it was attained through the consistent use of your limited free time. In congratulating you on your superior performance, we believe that your efforts for self-development have not only served your own interests but also the mission of the Armed Forces.
Sincerely,
Herman Beukema, Brig. Gen., USA, Ret., Director Overseas Program
(From a San Bernardino County newspaper clipping, sometime between Jan. '67 and Jun. '68)
VIETNAM COMMAND
Son of Area Man Heads Squadron
ALTA LOMA - Lt. Col. Denning Perdew, whose father, Ernest (Earnest) E. Perdew resides at 9348 La Vine St., recently assumed command of the 772nd Tactical Airlift Squadron, based in Mactan, Vietnam.
Perdew, a former World War II B-25 pilot, replaces Col. Miles League.
Perdew is a 1939 graduate of Chaffey High School and a 1941 graduate of Chaffey College.
His family, who reside in Rosemead, includes his wife, Ruth and their four children, Brenda, Denning Jr., Chloe and Matthew.
Perdew was serving at the Aerospace Studies Institute at Maxwell AFB, Ala., when he volunteered for Southeast Asia duty. He went to Mactan after completing flight re-training at Stewart AFB., Ten., and Pope AFB, N.C.
As a pilot in World War II, he flew 55 B-25 combat missions from 1943-44 in the Chinese theatre of operations.
321st Commander
He commanded the 321st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron and the 90th Armament and Electronics Squadron at Forbes AFB, Kan., from 1956-59, served with Allied Air Forces Central Europe, NATO, in Fontainebleau, France, from 1959-1961, and was a member of the Joint Strategic Target Planning Staff, SAC headquarters, Offutt AFB, Neb., from 1961-65.
Perdew has flown B-25, B-26, A-26, A-51, C-46, C-47, RB-47, and other aircraft throughout his Air Force career.
From a newspaper clipping:Lt. Col. Lewis Dunagan had a new experience in his badminton history as he was shunted to the losers' bracket 15-7 and 15-10, by Lt. Col. Denning Perdew. Col. Perdew now faces Colonel Winingham in the quarter-finals of the second flight.
During his stay in Southeast Asia, 'Jack' stayed in shape by playing badminton and tennis with his fellow officers. On one such occasion, he received a hard blow to the eye with a tennis ball, and he spent days in the infirmary with both eyes bandaged. Jack and his beloved 'Dude' were accustomed to exchanging letters every day without fail - and in spite of his injuries, he continued to write to her 'blindly', while he was laid up.
From: Commander Denning M. Perdew's Comments:
It is my desire to convey to all personnel assigned to the 772TAS my appreciation for the long and ordious [sic] (odious? tedious?) hours of labor contributed in preparation for the 13th Air Force Inspection. I am pleased with the results of the inspection and especially proud of the fine showing our barracks made with the inspecting officials. Their comments were praiseworthy and it was also their contention that our barracks were the finest they had seen anywhere in the Philippines or Taiwan. Let's not become complacent now that we have achieved some measure of success as a unit. We need to bear in mind that the total effort of every man assigned is necessary in order that we function effectively and efficiently. Thanks again "Red Hats".
Denning M. Perdew, LtCol, USAF, Commander
Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, CA.), P. 443, Col. 1-2
Thu., Oct. 4, 1990
Excerpt from: Lobstermen Feel Pinch of Rough Surf as Season Opens
Lobstermen took to the seas Wednesday with the opening of the new lobster season, but a strong surf apparently limited their success on what is considered their most lucrative day.
Varying surf, weather conditions and the harvesting of legal-size stock from the lobster beds from San Diego to Santa Barbara cause the amount of California spiny lobsters caught by commercial and private lobstermen to drop dramatically as the season progresses toward its March 20 closing.
Jack Perdew, who has been trapping lobsters in the ocean along Encinitas, Del Mar and Cardiff for 19 years, seemed to have one of the day's bigger takes at 600 pounds.
"I couldn't even get to all of my (200) traps today, maybe three-quarters of them, so I don't know my total (first-day catch)," Perdew said.
Local lobstermen were receiving $5.50 per pound from wholesalers, up 50 cents from last year. The average restaurant price for a lobster dinner is $19.
Denning M. Perdew's July 20-21, 2017, San Gabriel Valley Tribune obituary:
Col. Denning Miles 'Jack' Perdew, 95, was ushered into the arms of his Savior at 11:29 p.m. on Monday, July 17, 2017 at Arcadia Methodist Hospital, Arcadia, CA. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God supported him in his time of need and ultimately gave him peace. A fifth generation Californian, he was known by a wide circle of family, friends, and acquaintances as a man of great integrity with a kind, gentle, godly spirit. His life was a living example of his faith.
Born December 13, 1921 at San Antonio Community Hospital in Upland, CA., the second of five children of Earnest Edwin Perdew and Clara Dora Von Sien, Jack was a graduate of Chaffey High School in Ontario, CA. (class of 1939). He attended courses through the University of Maryland in Fontainebleau, France and earned a Bachelor's Degree in General Education at the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 1964 as well as a Master's Degree in International Affairs from George Washington University, Washington D.C. in 1966.
On May 7, 1946, he married the love of his life, Ruth C. 'Dude' Lewis. They were married for sixty-five happy years and were just as much in love when she passed away in 2012 as the day they met. Jack and Dude were long-time residents for 50 years atop a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Cardiff by the Sea, CA., where Jack lovingly cared for Dude throughout her struggle with Alzheimer's disease until her death.
In January of 1942, Jack enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a pilot. As a Captain in the 11th Bomb Squadron of the 14th Air Force with headquarters in China, during the war, he flew 54 missions in his 11 months overseas. For meritorious combat services, he received the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal. His thirty year career included a tour of duty in Okinawa (1949-1952); two assignments at the Pentagon (1952-1955 as Staff Officer, Office of the Assistant for Atomic Energy to the Deputy Chief of Staff and 1968-1971 as an action officer in the Plans and Policy Division of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Staff Officer, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Headquarters Allied Air Forces Central Europe at Fontainebleau, France 1959-1960); Staff Officer with the Office of SACEUR (Supreme Allied Commander in Europe)'s Representative to the Joint Strategic Planning Staff at Offutt AFB, Nebraska (1960-1965), was Tactical Airlift Squadron Commander at Mactan Air Base in the Philippines (1967-1968), and volunteered twice for Vietnam. From 1972-1973, he served as Vice-Commander of the 14th Special Operations Wing at Phan Rang Air Base.
After retiring from the Air Force at the age of 52, it became apparent that he wasn't going to be content spending the rest of his life playing golf, so he leased a Cessna 150 aircraft and flew as a spotter for a sword fish boat. His job was to find fish and direct the boat to where they could be spotted and harpooned. The new venture was not successful; starting on the day he leased the aircraft, there wasn't another swordfish landed on the Pacific Coast for that season. He reluctantly returned the aircraft to its owner and bought a diesel boat, spending the next twenty years working as a commercial fisherman in San Diego, fifteen of which he served as President of the Southern California Lobster Fishermen's Association,
Jack had a heart for those in need. Twice a month for fourteen years, he and his wife Ruth dedicated themselves to the mission of personally purchasing and delivering food to orphanages in Tijuana and Tecate, Mexico, where the children referred to him as 'Abuelito Jack'. In addition, for years, he sponsored a child through Highlands Education International in Jalingo, Nigeria, investing in the child's Christian education and training.
Jack's absence leaves a hole in the lives of his family and friends that can never be fully measured.
He enjoyed Dodger games, working Sudoku puzzles, flying glider planes and bicycling up until a few years before his death.
Jack was the proud and devoted father of four children: Brenda (Robert) Wilson, West Covina, CA; Denning Jr. (Teresa) Perdew, who predeceased him; Chloe Perdew, Arcadia, CA.; and Matt Perdew, Ocean Beach in San Diego, CA.; He was also the proud and attentive grandfather of nine amazing grandchildren, Diana Murrell, Lori Goetz, Terry Raleigh, Carlene McCallister, Denning Miles Perdew III, Sara Ann Woody, Steven Lewis Perdew, Kimberly Anne Smith, and Nathan Von Sien Perdew; 11 great grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren. All of these he loved and touched deeply and he will be dearly missed. He is also survived by a sister, Kathryn Osborne of Rancho Cucamonga.
Jack was a long-time member of the Covenant Keepers' Bible Study class at Grace Church of Glendora.
His family has organized a memorial service at the Hillcrest Meeting House, 2701 Mountain View Drive, La Verne, CA. with interment at Riverside National Cemetery at a later date. Pall bearers will be (son) Matthew Perdew; (grandsons) Denning Miles Perdew III, Steven Lewis Perdew, Nathan Von Sien Perdew; (grandson-in-law) Bradley Smith; and (son-in-law) Robert Wilson.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the staff of Hillcrest Retirement Community in La Verne, the Arcadia Methodist Hospital, and VITAS Hospice and Palliative Care for their kind support in his final days.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in honor of Jack Perdew may be made to the Arcadia Methodist Hospital Foundation, Hillcrest Retirement Community in La Verne or VITAS Healthcare in Covina.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Live Oak Mortuary in Monrovia, CA.
Decorations Awarded Col. Denning M. Perdew:
WWIIVM (World War II Victory Medal); APLM (Asiatic Pacific Service Medal); AOM; KSM (Korean Service Medal): NSDM (National Service Defense Medal); AFSLA; VSM; RVCM (Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal); AFOUA (Air Force Outstanding Unit Award); AFM; AM (Air Medal 20LC); DFC (Distinguished Flying Cross); AFCM (Air Force Commendation Medal); JSCM (Joint Service Commendation Medal).
In about 1925, Jack journeyed by automobile with his father, E. E. Perdew and E. E.'s brother-in-law, Charlie Brown, to the Imperial Valley. While in camp, E.E. built a swing out of an old tire for his son, and Jack remembers enjoying that swing and tasting hominy for the first time. He remembers it as being some of the greatest food he ever had and still loves it to this day. Later that day, while E.E. and his son were still in camp, it was getting dark and E.E. was getting concerned that Charlie hadn't returned yet. About that time, he heard sounds which he at first believed to be a cow mooing. Based on his anxiety that it might be Charlie, he went out looking for him in the direction of the sounds, and found a very determined Charlie, who was calling for help while carrying a large grinding stone, unwilling to leave his treasure behind.
Charlie Brown had a large barn on his property in Cucamonga where he kept a wagon, a pair of mules and hay to feed them. Charlie lent his wagon and mules to his brother-in-law, E. E. Perdew, who used them one day to load up the prunings from citrus trees to transport them to dispose of them in an arroyo nearby. While unloading the brush, something spooked the mules, and they took off at a full gallup, causing E.E's five year old son, Jack, to topple off of the springboard seat and fall to the ground, where he was run over by the iron-shod wooden wheels. While it was traumatic, there were no real injuries, and E.E. ignored the mules, picking up his crying son, knowing the mules would tire and stop. The mules and the wagon were recovered the same day.
From Jack's eulogy for his younger brother, Bob:
"Being raised on a ranch, there was always plenty of work and our dad had to call on us for help; driving a tractor, smudging and filling the pots in the winter, irrigating in the summer, maintaining and servicing the farm equipment, and there were always a lot of blisters to be had at the end of a pick and shovel. There was one chore at which Bob developed considerable expertise and wound up with it as his responsibility: milking the family cow. Somehow, to my disappointment, I never developed a knack for it. There was much work to do. Yet there was time to go to school and to have a little fun playing games, hunting rabbits and coyotes and swimming in the reservoir that was just across the street from our house.
Some of the games we played wouldn't be recognizable for today's generations. We didn't have TVs or electronic games. They hadn't been invented yet. We had a lot of fun though playing hide and seek, kick the can, tippy-cat and others that I can't recall. I do remember racing around through the lemon grove, picking off fruit as we ran and throwing them at each other. It really smarted when you were hit by one of them and it was upsetting to our next door neighbor who was also a fruit grower. He reported us to our dad.
I recall that we once removed the rubber tires from our little red wagon and beat the outer edges of the wheels together to where they were about the thickness of an ice skate runner. We then took the wagon up to the top of Archibald avenue which is very steep near the foothills and enjoyed a high speed and dangerous ride. On another occasion, we took our bicycles several miles up to a forestry service dirt road on the mountain just behind the church and then coasted down at a high rate of speed. On most of this wild ride, there were steep drop-offs and no guard rails. We survived those hills and created a lot of good memories. I'm pretty sure we didn't share them with our parents. We wouldn't have wanted them to worry."
In the Apr. 19, 1930 U.S. census, 8 yr. old 'Demming' (Denning) Perdew, b. in CA., was living at 295 Archibald St. in Cucamonga Twp., San Bernardino Co., CA., with his
38 yr. old father, Earnest E. Perdew, a citrus farmer, b. in CA.
40 yr. old mother, Clara (no occupation listed), b. in MN.
9 yr. old sister, Dorothy Perdew, b. in CA.
5 yr. old brother, Robert Perdew, b. in CA.
2 yr. 10 mth. old sister, Katherine Perdew, b. in CA.
Earnest was 26 yrs. old and Clara was 28 when they married.
Earnest's parents were both b. in CA.
Clara's parents were both b. in Germany.
*Note about "Jack's" name: When he was born, his father, Earnest E. Perdew filled out the form for his birth certificate, naming him: "Deming" Miles Perdew - after Earnest's best friend and Congressional Medal of Honor winner In WWI, Deming Bronson.
The hospital misread his handwriting, mistaking the "m" as "nn" and registered him as "Denning" Miles Perdew - and he just never got around to officially correcting it - maybe also because no one in the family ever called him "Deming/Denning" - but always by the nickname his sister, Dorothy, had given him as a child: "Jack."
The following childhood recollections were written by 'Jack' Perdew:
"As you know, I was born in the San Antonio Community Hospital in Upland, California. Attending physician was Dr. Arthur Weber. At the time my mother and father lived on the corner of Ely Street and Euclid Avenue, where my father and his brother, Howard, operated a dairy. The main dairy buildings, including another home, was just to the east of our house a quarter of a mile or less. I am guessing that the property was purchased an owned by Howard inasmuch as he received a CALVET loan at this time (he was eligible as a WWI veteran).And, I think that this home housed (my grandparents) J. E. and Nettie and some of their kids. The field between the two homes was planted to alfalfa and it was this field that I wandered out into while Dad was mowing the crop. I was barefoot and the remaining portion of the alfalfa plants, which had been cut to almost ground level, stuck up out of the ground and I discovered that it was painful to walk on them and stood in one place crying until Dad got off the tractor and rescued me.
Lydia Beese was staying with us and it was probably there that she met her future husband, Clarence Beekman. He visited the dairy in an official capacity as a government employee charged with testing the milk for tuberculosis. It was also there at the Euclid & Ely location that Lydia crashed Dad's Studebaker car (with my sister and me inside) into the Eucalyptus trees that lined the driveway to the house. She made the turn but failed to discontinue the turn after she was into the driveway. It must have been embarrassing for her but no serious injuries.
The dairy business evidently was not a success and was abandoned after a short period (a year or two or so, I don't know). But I must have been a couple of years old when we moved to (my uncle-in-law) Charlie Brown's property on Archibald Avenue in Cucamonga, CA. He owned 20 acres of land planted to orange trees. The property had two houses. Our home was adequate but probably not as large as Charlie's residence. I don't know what sort of agreement existed with Charlie, but I do know that Dad did do work, at least part time, on the ranch and that included smudging and irrigating. He also did box making for whatever grape grower could provide employment. I do know that he did work for a person that he pronounced like 'laugh-a-kade', but I am guessing that it was a grower by the name of John LaFourcade who owned one of the largest vineyards in California. LaFourcade's work in creating his vineyards was an epic struggle. I do recall at least one day where I accompanied my dad to his work site alongside a railroad siding on Millikin Avenue in Cucamonga. Dad had his own apparatus for holding the parts while they were being nailed together and a nail stripper (which allowed the nails to gather in a line in a down-sloping parallel-wire channel where a quantity, probably 6 to 8, could be grasped with his left hand and be then implanted into the box making materials. The shook was provided by the grower and the equipment by the worker. Shook, according to Webster's dictionary, is a 'bundle of parts (as of boxes) ready to be put together'. The preferred tool for box making was not a hammer, instead a hatchet was used. Usually one blow would set the nail and another seat it. A box could be produced in less than a minute. Boxes were then filled with fresh grapes and then loaded into the nearby railway boxcar. I remember that it was hot in the middle of a vineyard with no shade, but Dad must surely have rigged some sort of shade for his work. Dad usually rode the bus from corner of Foothill Blvd. and Archibald Ave. to Millikin Avenue on the eastern side of Cucamonga. He was usually accompanied by a German Shepherd dog. Dad used to tell the story that one day he left the dog behind so the dog, on his own, boarded the bus and debarked at the right place and joined him at work."
The San Bernardino Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 15, Col. 2-3
Sat., Sep. 24, 1932
Excerpt from: Cucamonga Sunday School To Give 'Truth' Pageant
CUCAMONGA, Sept. 23 - The members of the Sunday school of the Cucamonga Community church will present a pageant, "The Coming of Truth", in the church auditorium Sunday evening, Sept. 25, at 7:30. The pageant portrays Christian teaching as the key to the world's redemption. It points to the Sunday School as the chief agency for teaching religion. "World" is represented as seeking freedom from bondage. Spirits of nearly every aspect of society fail to bring deliverance. "The church appears and promises freedom through "truth". There follows a panorama of Christian education as the "way", the "Truth" and "Life",in which the youngest member of the congregation - an eight-weeks-old baby, up to the eldest members of the church are participants.
Primary department recitation,Art Hughes, Bob Perdew, Marvin Billings, Jack Perdew, Bruce Monkman, Helen Hawker (and 28 others).
The San Bernardino Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 1, Col. 4
Tue., Jul. 7, 1936
Neighboring Miners Tell of Tragedy
He died about 7:30 p.m. yesterday. His body was still at the hospital at a late hour last night, pending orders from the coroner for its disposition.
Two miners, Jack Daley and Jack Perdew who heard the shots in their nearby cabin, rushed to Kessler's house and discovered the body of Mrs. Kessler.
Kessler had gone a short distance from the house before shooting himself and the miners thought he was dead.
According to Denning M. Perdew's U.S., World War II Army Enlistment Records, his civil occupation as: 'actor'. (*While he was described by many who knew him as 'movie star handsome', when asked about this, he was mystified and amused, stating that he had never been an actor nor had any ambition to be one.) He was described as 6'2" tall, weighing 173 lbs. His education included two years of college.
In the 1946 Ontario, CA. City Directory, 'Demming' M. Perdew was living at 1673 N. Archibald Av. with his father, Earnest E. Perdew, sisters, Dorothy J. and Kathryn B. Perdew and brother, Robert E. Perdew. His youngest sibling, 7 y. old Richard V. Perdew was also living there - but maybe too young to list in the directory.
On May 7, 1946, Denning Miles Perdew and Ruth Cora Lewis were married by Gene Ward, a Justice of the Peace, at the courthouse in Las Vegas, Clark County, NV. (one block South Fremont between Second and Third).
The Courier-Journal (Louisville, KY.), P. 8, Col. 6
Sat., Feb. 19, 1949
Buzzard Attacks, Tears Hole In B-26 In His Last Buzz
Smyrna, Tenn., Feb. 18 - A dive-bombing buzzard made an attack on a bomber here and came out second.
The buzzard-bomber encounter came off yesterday when Capt. Denning M. Perdew, Alta Loma, Cal., was bringing his B-26 in for a landing after a flight from Greenville, S.C.
Perdew said the bird attacked "smack on at 12 o'clock," the impact tearing a hole bigger than the buzzard in the bomber's nose. Feathers were scattered all over the flying gear of Sgy. Richard A. Mention, Miami.
Perdew brought the damaged plane in without mishap. The flier, veteran of 54 combat missions in the China-Burma-India Theater, said the noise of the collision was like that of a 20-millimeter shell tearing through.
(From a San Bernardino County newspaper clipping, approx. Jun. 1960)
Air Force Laurels Go To Alta Loman's Son
ALTA LOMA - The son of an Alta Loma man has been presented with the Air Force Commendation Medal at Forbes Air Force Base, Kan.
He is Lt. Col. Denning M. Perdew, son of Ernest (Earnest) E. Perdew, of 6295 Archibald Ave., Alta Loma.
The army officer was decorated at the Kansas air base recently before leaving for an assignment to the Central Europe Allied Air Forces headquarters at Fontainebleau, France. His wife and three children accompanied him to his new assignment.
He was cited for "sustained meritorious service" between Aug. 1, 1956 and June 15, 1959. The presentation was made at change of command ceremonies.
Included in his citation was a report on his progression from pilot to aircraft commander, a news release from headquarters of the 21st Air Division at Forbes Air Force Base said.
Perdew commanded both the 90th Armament and Electronics Squadron and the 321st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron. He established records in both, the release said.
While commander of the 321st Squadron, the colonel maintained an 88.3 per cent rate for aircraft airborne on schedule, a record in the 90th Wing. In addition, he lead the 321st through the transition from a reconnaissance squadron to a student training unit.
The Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 20, Col. 1
Thu., Aug. 6, 1959
With County Men in Service
Lt. Col. Denning M. Perdew, son of Ernest E. Perdew, Alta Loma, and former commander of the 90th Armament and Electronics Squadron, received the Air Force Commendation Medal at Forbes Air Force Base, Kan., in change-of-command ceremonies held prior to his departure for an assignment at Central Europe Allied Air Force headquarters at Fontainebleau, France.
Col Perdew was cited for "sustained meritorious service during the period Aug. 1, 1956 through June 15, 1959."
Included in his citation was report on his progression from pilot to aircraft commander. He has commanded both the 90th Armament and Electronics Squadron and the 321st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron, recording outstanding records in both organizations.
The Daily Sun (San Bernardino, CA.), P. 20, Col. 5-6
Tue., Jun. 7, 1960
(Below the picture, it reads): AWARDED MEDAL - Lieutenant Colonel Denning M. Perdew, USAF, receives words of congratulations from Major General Don O. Darrow, USAF, Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations at Headquarters, Allied Air Forces Central Europe (AIRCENT). Colonel Perdew was awarded the U.S. Air Force commendation medal while assigned with the 90th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing, Forbes Air Force Base, Kansas. (AIRCENT photo)
Lt. Col. Perdew Decorated In France by U.S. Air Force
ALTA LOMA - Lt. Col. Denning M. Perdew, U.S. Air Force, son of Earnest E. Perdew of N. Archibald Ave., Alta Loma, was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal for his "meritorious service" while assigned with the 90th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing, Forbes Air Force base, Kansas.
Presenting the award was Maj. General Don O. Darrow, deputy chief of staff of operations at Headquarters Allied Air Forces Central Europe, NATO's largest air arm at Fontainebleau, France.
Col. Perdew, who entered the service in Jan. 1942 was cited for "his initiative and devotion to duty… by the adoption of second Air Force of an analysis system for armament and electronics data researched and further developed under his direction."
Col. Perdew, in Fontainebleau, 38 miles southeast of Paris, is chief of Nuclear Programs Branch, Operations Policy Division of Headquarters Allied Air Forces Central Europe. He serves side by side with officers and airmen from 7 NATO nations, including France, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Canada, The Netherlands, Germany and the United States.
Col. Perdew, a graduate of Chaffey College, served in China from Dec. '43 to Nov. '44 and Okinawa from Oct. '49 to May '52. His decorations include the Air Medal and the Distinguished Flying Cross.
His wife Ruth and four children, Brenda, Denning, Chloe and Matthew, are presently with him in France.
The first two of four paragraphs of a letter, addressed to Lt. Col. Denning M. Perdew and dated September, 1960, from: The University of Maryland, European Division
Dear Colonel Perdew,
I am very happy to inform you that you have been awarded a Scholastic Achievement Medallion for the Fifth Term, 1959-1960. During that period, only eighteen students of the 4,482 enrolled in the Overseas Program of the University of Maryland appeared on the Dean's List with an "A" average.You have every reason for pride in achieving that distinction.
We of the Overseas Staff of the University of Maryland appreciate the perseverance and sound scholarship revealed by your record, the more so since we realize that it was attained through the consistent use of your limited free time. In congratulating you on your superior performance, we believe that your efforts for self-development have not only served your own interests but also the mission of the Armed Forces.
Sincerely,
Herman Beukema, Brig. Gen., USA, Ret., Director Overseas Program
(From a San Bernardino County newspaper clipping, sometime between Jan. '67 and Jun. '68)
VIETNAM COMMAND
Son of Area Man Heads Squadron
ALTA LOMA - Lt. Col. Denning Perdew, whose father, Ernest (Earnest) E. Perdew resides at 9348 La Vine St., recently assumed command of the 772nd Tactical Airlift Squadron, based in Mactan, Vietnam.
Perdew, a former World War II B-25 pilot, replaces Col. Miles League.
Perdew is a 1939 graduate of Chaffey High School and a 1941 graduate of Chaffey College.
His family, who reside in Rosemead, includes his wife, Ruth and their four children, Brenda, Denning Jr., Chloe and Matthew.
Perdew was serving at the Aerospace Studies Institute at Maxwell AFB, Ala., when he volunteered for Southeast Asia duty. He went to Mactan after completing flight re-training at Stewart AFB., Ten., and Pope AFB, N.C.
As a pilot in World War II, he flew 55 B-25 combat missions from 1943-44 in the Chinese theatre of operations.
321st Commander
He commanded the 321st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron and the 90th Armament and Electronics Squadron at Forbes AFB, Kan., from 1956-59, served with Allied Air Forces Central Europe, NATO, in Fontainebleau, France, from 1959-1961, and was a member of the Joint Strategic Target Planning Staff, SAC headquarters, Offutt AFB, Neb., from 1961-65.
Perdew has flown B-25, B-26, A-26, A-51, C-46, C-47, RB-47, and other aircraft throughout his Air Force career.
From a newspaper clipping:Lt. Col. Lewis Dunagan had a new experience in his badminton history as he was shunted to the losers' bracket 15-7 and 15-10, by Lt. Col. Denning Perdew. Col. Perdew now faces Colonel Winingham in the quarter-finals of the second flight.
During his stay in Southeast Asia, 'Jack' stayed in shape by playing badminton and tennis with his fellow officers. On one such occasion, he received a hard blow to the eye with a tennis ball, and he spent days in the infirmary with both eyes bandaged. Jack and his beloved 'Dude' were accustomed to exchanging letters every day without fail - and in spite of his injuries, he continued to write to her 'blindly', while he was laid up.
From: Commander Denning M. Perdew's Comments:
It is my desire to convey to all personnel assigned to the 772TAS my appreciation for the long and ordious [sic] (odious? tedious?) hours of labor contributed in preparation for the 13th Air Force Inspection. I am pleased with the results of the inspection and especially proud of the fine showing our barracks made with the inspecting officials. Their comments were praiseworthy and it was also their contention that our barracks were the finest they had seen anywhere in the Philippines or Taiwan. Let's not become complacent now that we have achieved some measure of success as a unit. We need to bear in mind that the total effort of every man assigned is necessary in order that we function effectively and efficiently. Thanks again "Red Hats".
Denning M. Perdew, LtCol, USAF, Commander
Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, CA.), P. 443, Col. 1-2
Thu., Oct. 4, 1990
Excerpt from: Lobstermen Feel Pinch of Rough Surf as Season Opens
Lobstermen took to the seas Wednesday with the opening of the new lobster season, but a strong surf apparently limited their success on what is considered their most lucrative day.
Varying surf, weather conditions and the harvesting of legal-size stock from the lobster beds from San Diego to Santa Barbara cause the amount of California spiny lobsters caught by commercial and private lobstermen to drop dramatically as the season progresses toward its March 20 closing.
Jack Perdew, who has been trapping lobsters in the ocean along Encinitas, Del Mar and Cardiff for 19 years, seemed to have one of the day's bigger takes at 600 pounds.
"I couldn't even get to all of my (200) traps today, maybe three-quarters of them, so I don't know my total (first-day catch)," Perdew said.
Local lobstermen were receiving $5.50 per pound from wholesalers, up 50 cents from last year. The average restaurant price for a lobster dinner is $19.
Denning M. Perdew's July 20-21, 2017, San Gabriel Valley Tribune obituary:
Col. Denning Miles 'Jack' Perdew, 95, was ushered into the arms of his Savior at 11:29 p.m. on Monday, July 17, 2017 at Arcadia Methodist Hospital, Arcadia, CA. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God supported him in his time of need and ultimately gave him peace. A fifth generation Californian, he was known by a wide circle of family, friends, and acquaintances as a man of great integrity with a kind, gentle, godly spirit. His life was a living example of his faith.
Born December 13, 1921 at San Antonio Community Hospital in Upland, CA., the second of five children of Earnest Edwin Perdew and Clara Dora Von Sien, Jack was a graduate of Chaffey High School in Ontario, CA. (class of 1939). He attended courses through the University of Maryland in Fontainebleau, France and earned a Bachelor's Degree in General Education at the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 1964 as well as a Master's Degree in International Affairs from George Washington University, Washington D.C. in 1966.
On May 7, 1946, he married the love of his life, Ruth C. 'Dude' Lewis. They were married for sixty-five happy years and were just as much in love when she passed away in 2012 as the day they met. Jack and Dude were long-time residents for 50 years atop a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Cardiff by the Sea, CA., where Jack lovingly cared for Dude throughout her struggle with Alzheimer's disease until her death.
In January of 1942, Jack enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a pilot. As a Captain in the 11th Bomb Squadron of the 14th Air Force with headquarters in China, during the war, he flew 54 missions in his 11 months overseas. For meritorious combat services, he received the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal. His thirty year career included a tour of duty in Okinawa (1949-1952); two assignments at the Pentagon (1952-1955 as Staff Officer, Office of the Assistant for Atomic Energy to the Deputy Chief of Staff and 1968-1971 as an action officer in the Plans and Policy Division of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Staff Officer, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Headquarters Allied Air Forces Central Europe at Fontainebleau, France 1959-1960); Staff Officer with the Office of SACEUR (Supreme Allied Commander in Europe)'s Representative to the Joint Strategic Planning Staff at Offutt AFB, Nebraska (1960-1965), was Tactical Airlift Squadron Commander at Mactan Air Base in the Philippines (1967-1968), and volunteered twice for Vietnam. From 1972-1973, he served as Vice-Commander of the 14th Special Operations Wing at Phan Rang Air Base.
After retiring from the Air Force at the age of 52, it became apparent that he wasn't going to be content spending the rest of his life playing golf, so he leased a Cessna 150 aircraft and flew as a spotter for a sword fish boat. His job was to find fish and direct the boat to where they could be spotted and harpooned. The new venture was not successful; starting on the day he leased the aircraft, there wasn't another swordfish landed on the Pacific Coast for that season. He reluctantly returned the aircraft to its owner and bought a diesel boat, spending the next twenty years working as a commercial fisherman in San Diego, fifteen of which he served as President of the Southern California Lobster Fishermen's Association,
Jack had a heart for those in need. Twice a month for fourteen years, he and his wife Ruth dedicated themselves to the mission of personally purchasing and delivering food to orphanages in Tijuana and Tecate, Mexico, where the children referred to him as 'Abuelito Jack'. In addition, for years, he sponsored a child through Highlands Education International in Jalingo, Nigeria, investing in the child's Christian education and training.
Jack's absence leaves a hole in the lives of his family and friends that can never be fully measured.
He enjoyed Dodger games, working Sudoku puzzles, flying glider planes and bicycling up until a few years before his death.
Jack was the proud and devoted father of four children: Brenda (Robert) Wilson, West Covina, CA; Denning Jr. (Teresa) Perdew, who predeceased him; Chloe Perdew, Arcadia, CA.; and Matt Perdew, Ocean Beach in San Diego, CA.; He was also the proud and attentive grandfather of nine amazing grandchildren, Diana Murrell, Lori Goetz, Terry Raleigh, Carlene McCallister, Denning Miles Perdew III, Sara Ann Woody, Steven Lewis Perdew, Kimberly Anne Smith, and Nathan Von Sien Perdew; 11 great grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren. All of these he loved and touched deeply and he will be dearly missed. He is also survived by a sister, Kathryn Osborne of Rancho Cucamonga.
Jack was a long-time member of the Covenant Keepers' Bible Study class at Grace Church of Glendora.
His family has organized a memorial service at the Hillcrest Meeting House, 2701 Mountain View Drive, La Verne, CA. with interment at Riverside National Cemetery at a later date. Pall bearers will be (son) Matthew Perdew; (grandsons) Denning Miles Perdew III, Steven Lewis Perdew, Nathan Von Sien Perdew; (grandson-in-law) Bradley Smith; and (son-in-law) Robert Wilson.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the staff of Hillcrest Retirement Community in La Verne, the Arcadia Methodist Hospital, and VITAS Hospice and Palliative Care for their kind support in his final days.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in honor of Jack Perdew may be made to the Arcadia Methodist Hospital Foundation, Hillcrest Retirement Community in La Verne or VITAS Healthcare in Covina.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Live Oak Mortuary in Monrovia, CA.
Decorations Awarded Col. Denning M. Perdew:
WWIIVM (World War II Victory Medal); APLM (Asiatic Pacific Service Medal); AOM; KSM (Korean Service Medal): NSDM (National Service Defense Medal); AFSLA; VSM; RVCM (Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal); AFOUA (Air Force Outstanding Unit Award); AFM; AM (Air Medal 20LC); DFC (Distinguished Flying Cross); AFCM (Air Force Commendation Medal); JSCM (Joint Service Commendation Medal).
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