Major Edward James “Raz” Rasimus was a fighter pilot, author, and a political history professor. He was born on September 29, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois; graduated in 1960 from St. Patrick High School in Chicago; and attended Illinois Institute of Technology where he graduated on June 4, 1964. He was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant through the Air Force ROTC Program and went on active duty July 8, 1964.
In August 1965 Lt Rasimus completed Undergraduate Pilot Training and was awarded his pilot wings at Williams AFB, Texas. He then attended F-105D ‘Thunderchief’ fighter training at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, and was assigned to the 4526th Combat Crew Training Squadron, “Cobra.”
After graduating from CCTS, he deployed Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand and was assigned to the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing, 421st Tactical Fighter Squadron. One of the young Lieutenants serving with him was Karl Richter who had also been in training with him at Nellis. Between May 3, 1966 and November 3, 1966 he flew 100 “counter” missions over North Vietnam, in the face of the most heavily defended area in the world.
He was then assigned to Air Training Command as a T-38A Instructor Pilot with the 3525th Pilot Training Squadron and the 3526th Student Squadron at Williams AFB from December 1966 to May 1970. During this time he was named Instructor Pilot of the Year.
His next assignment was as a Personnel Staff Officer for Undergraduate Rated Officer Assignments with Headquarters Air Training Command at Randolph AFB, Texas, from May 1970 to April 1972.
He then completed F-4 ‘Phantom II’ Combat Crew Training at Luke AFB, Arizona and served a second tour in Southeast Asia as an F-4E pilot with the 469th Tactical Fighter Squadron and then the 34th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Korat Royal Thai AFB from July 1972 to July 1973. During his two combat tours in Vietnam, he was awarded America's third highest decoration for valor, the Silver Star, five Distinguished Flying Crosses, and nineteen Air Medals.
His next assignment was as an F-4C pilot with the 613th Tactical Fighter Squadron of the 401st Tactical Fighter Wing at Torrejon Air Base, Spain, from August 1973 to July 1977, followed by Air Command and Staff College at Maxwell AFB, Alabama, from July 1977 to July 1978. He was then assigned to the staff of Headquarters U.S. Air Forces in Europe at Ramstein AB, West Germany, from July 1978 to July 1981. He then served as an AT-38B Talon Instructor for Lead-in Fighter Training with the 435th Tactical Fighter Training Squadron of the 479th Tactical Fighter Wing at Holloman AFB, New Mexico, from July 1981 to July 1985. His final assignment was as an Air Liaison Officer with the 2nd Brigade of the 4th Infantry Division (Mechanized) at Fort Carson, Colorado, from July 1985 until his retirement from the Air Force on July 1, 1987.
He also earned two masters' degrees from civilian universities, both with honors. After retirement, he taught at the college level in Colorado and later in Texas. He wrote and published “When Thunder Rolled: An F-105 Pilot in Vietnam” in 2003, “Phantom Flights, Bangkok Nights: A Vietnam War Pilot's Second Tour” in 2005 and “Palace Cobra: A Fighter Pilot in the Vietnam Air War” in 2006. He also coauthored “Fighter Pilot: The Memoirs of Legendary Ace Robin Olds” in 2010 with Christina Olds who was Robin’s daughter. His books were well received and his demand as an inspirational speaker and champion of air power blossomed.
Raz “Flew West” on January 20, 2013 having flown his last flight, but in the wake of his jet wash is a story of a warrior who did his duty, served his country, and cast a bright light of valor and accomplishment that will inspire fellow warriors for years to come. If you happen to pass his headstone at Arlington National Cemetery, “Throw a nickel on the grass” to honor a great fighter pilot.
--Remembrance written and provided by Find A Grave contributor Lee A. Hillard.
In August 1965 Lt Rasimus completed Undergraduate Pilot Training and was awarded his pilot wings at Williams AFB, Texas. He then attended F-105D ‘Thunderchief’ fighter training at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, and was assigned to the 4526th Combat Crew Training Squadron, “Cobra.”
After graduating from CCTS, he deployed Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand and was assigned to the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing, 421st Tactical Fighter Squadron. One of the young Lieutenants serving with him was Karl Richter who had also been in training with him at Nellis. Between May 3, 1966 and November 3, 1966 he flew 100 “counter” missions over North Vietnam, in the face of the most heavily defended area in the world.
He was then assigned to Air Training Command as a T-38A Instructor Pilot with the 3525th Pilot Training Squadron and the 3526th Student Squadron at Williams AFB from December 1966 to May 1970. During this time he was named Instructor Pilot of the Year.
His next assignment was as a Personnel Staff Officer for Undergraduate Rated Officer Assignments with Headquarters Air Training Command at Randolph AFB, Texas, from May 1970 to April 1972.
He then completed F-4 ‘Phantom II’ Combat Crew Training at Luke AFB, Arizona and served a second tour in Southeast Asia as an F-4E pilot with the 469th Tactical Fighter Squadron and then the 34th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Korat Royal Thai AFB from July 1972 to July 1973. During his two combat tours in Vietnam, he was awarded America's third highest decoration for valor, the Silver Star, five Distinguished Flying Crosses, and nineteen Air Medals.
His next assignment was as an F-4C pilot with the 613th Tactical Fighter Squadron of the 401st Tactical Fighter Wing at Torrejon Air Base, Spain, from August 1973 to July 1977, followed by Air Command and Staff College at Maxwell AFB, Alabama, from July 1977 to July 1978. He was then assigned to the staff of Headquarters U.S. Air Forces in Europe at Ramstein AB, West Germany, from July 1978 to July 1981. He then served as an AT-38B Talon Instructor for Lead-in Fighter Training with the 435th Tactical Fighter Training Squadron of the 479th Tactical Fighter Wing at Holloman AFB, New Mexico, from July 1981 to July 1985. His final assignment was as an Air Liaison Officer with the 2nd Brigade of the 4th Infantry Division (Mechanized) at Fort Carson, Colorado, from July 1985 until his retirement from the Air Force on July 1, 1987.
He also earned two masters' degrees from civilian universities, both with honors. After retirement, he taught at the college level in Colorado and later in Texas. He wrote and published “When Thunder Rolled: An F-105 Pilot in Vietnam” in 2003, “Phantom Flights, Bangkok Nights: A Vietnam War Pilot's Second Tour” in 2005 and “Palace Cobra: A Fighter Pilot in the Vietnam Air War” in 2006. He also coauthored “Fighter Pilot: The Memoirs of Legendary Ace Robin Olds” in 2010 with Christina Olds who was Robin’s daughter. His books were well received and his demand as an inspirational speaker and champion of air power blossomed.
Raz “Flew West” on January 20, 2013 having flown his last flight, but in the wake of his jet wash is a story of a warrior who did his duty, served his country, and cast a bright light of valor and accomplishment that will inspire fellow warriors for years to come. If you happen to pass his headstone at Arlington National Cemetery, “Throw a nickel on the grass” to honor a great fighter pilot.
--Remembrance written and provided by Find A Grave contributor Lee A. Hillard.
Major Edward James “Raz” Rasimus was a fighter pilot, author, and a political history professor. He was born on September 29, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois; graduated in 1960 from St. Patrick High School in Chicago; and attended Illinois Institute of Technology where he graduated on June 4, 1964. He was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant through the Air Force ROTC Program and went on active duty July 8, 1964.
In August 1965 Lt Rasimus completed Undergraduate Pilot Training and was awarded his pilot wings at Williams AFB, Texas. He then attended F-105D ‘Thunderchief’ fighter training at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, and was assigned to the 4526th Combat Crew Training Squadron, “Cobra.”
After graduating from CCTS, he deployed Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand and was assigned to the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing, 421st Tactical Fighter Squadron. One of the young Lieutenants serving with him was Karl Richter who had also been in training with him at Nellis. Between May 3, 1966 and November 3, 1966 he flew 100 “counter” missions over North Vietnam, in the face of the most heavily defended area in the world.
He was then assigned to Air Training Command as a T-38A Instructor Pilot with the 3525th Pilot Training Squadron and the 3526th Student Squadron at Williams AFB from December 1966 to May 1970. During this time he was named Instructor Pilot of the Year.
His next assignment was as a Personnel Staff Officer for Undergraduate Rated Officer Assignments with Headquarters Air Training Command at Randolph AFB, Texas, from May 1970 to April 1972.
He then completed F-4 ‘Phantom II’ Combat Crew Training at Luke AFB, Arizona and served a second tour in Southeast Asia as an F-4E pilot with the 469th Tactical Fighter Squadron and then the 34th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Korat Royal Thai AFB from July 1972 to July 1973. During his two combat tours in Vietnam, he was awarded America's third highest decoration for valor, the Silver Star, five Distinguished Flying Crosses, and nineteen Air Medals.
His next assignment was as an F-4C pilot with the 613th Tactical Fighter Squadron of the 401st Tactical Fighter Wing at Torrejon Air Base, Spain, from August 1973 to July 1977, followed by Air Command and Staff College at Maxwell AFB, Alabama, from July 1977 to July 1978. He was then assigned to the staff of Headquarters U.S. Air Forces in Europe at Ramstein AB, West Germany, from July 1978 to July 1981. He then served as an AT-38B Talon Instructor for Lead-in Fighter Training with the 435th Tactical Fighter Training Squadron of the 479th Tactical Fighter Wing at Holloman AFB, New Mexico, from July 1981 to July 1985. His final assignment was as an Air Liaison Officer with the 2nd Brigade of the 4th Infantry Division (Mechanized) at Fort Carson, Colorado, from July 1985 until his retirement from the Air Force on July 1, 1987.
He also earned two masters' degrees from civilian universities, both with honors. After retirement, he taught at the college level in Colorado and later in Texas. He wrote and published “When Thunder Rolled: An F-105 Pilot in Vietnam” in 2003, “Phantom Flights, Bangkok Nights: A Vietnam War Pilot's Second Tour” in 2005 and “Palace Cobra: A Fighter Pilot in the Vietnam Air War” in 2006. He also coauthored “Fighter Pilot: The Memoirs of Legendary Ace Robin Olds” in 2010 with Christina Olds who was Robin’s daughter. His books were well received and his demand as an inspirational speaker and champion of air power blossomed.
Raz “Flew West” on January 20, 2013 having flown his last flight, but in the wake of his jet wash is a story of a warrior who did his duty, served his country, and cast a bright light of valor and accomplishment that will inspire fellow warriors for years to come. If you happen to pass his headstone at Arlington National Cemetery, “Throw a nickel on the grass” to honor a great fighter pilot.
--Remembrance written and provided by Find A Grave contributor Lee A. Hillard.
In August 1965 Lt Rasimus completed Undergraduate Pilot Training and was awarded his pilot wings at Williams AFB, Texas. He then attended F-105D ‘Thunderchief’ fighter training at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, and was assigned to the 4526th Combat Crew Training Squadron, “Cobra.”
After graduating from CCTS, he deployed Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand and was assigned to the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing, 421st Tactical Fighter Squadron. One of the young Lieutenants serving with him was Karl Richter who had also been in training with him at Nellis. Between May 3, 1966 and November 3, 1966 he flew 100 “counter” missions over North Vietnam, in the face of the most heavily defended area in the world.
He was then assigned to Air Training Command as a T-38A Instructor Pilot with the 3525th Pilot Training Squadron and the 3526th Student Squadron at Williams AFB from December 1966 to May 1970. During this time he was named Instructor Pilot of the Year.
His next assignment was as a Personnel Staff Officer for Undergraduate Rated Officer Assignments with Headquarters Air Training Command at Randolph AFB, Texas, from May 1970 to April 1972.
He then completed F-4 ‘Phantom II’ Combat Crew Training at Luke AFB, Arizona and served a second tour in Southeast Asia as an F-4E pilot with the 469th Tactical Fighter Squadron and then the 34th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Korat Royal Thai AFB from July 1972 to July 1973. During his two combat tours in Vietnam, he was awarded America's third highest decoration for valor, the Silver Star, five Distinguished Flying Crosses, and nineteen Air Medals.
His next assignment was as an F-4C pilot with the 613th Tactical Fighter Squadron of the 401st Tactical Fighter Wing at Torrejon Air Base, Spain, from August 1973 to July 1977, followed by Air Command and Staff College at Maxwell AFB, Alabama, from July 1977 to July 1978. He was then assigned to the staff of Headquarters U.S. Air Forces in Europe at Ramstein AB, West Germany, from July 1978 to July 1981. He then served as an AT-38B Talon Instructor for Lead-in Fighter Training with the 435th Tactical Fighter Training Squadron of the 479th Tactical Fighter Wing at Holloman AFB, New Mexico, from July 1981 to July 1985. His final assignment was as an Air Liaison Officer with the 2nd Brigade of the 4th Infantry Division (Mechanized) at Fort Carson, Colorado, from July 1985 until his retirement from the Air Force on July 1, 1987.
He also earned two masters' degrees from civilian universities, both with honors. After retirement, he taught at the college level in Colorado and later in Texas. He wrote and published “When Thunder Rolled: An F-105 Pilot in Vietnam” in 2003, “Phantom Flights, Bangkok Nights: A Vietnam War Pilot's Second Tour” in 2005 and “Palace Cobra: A Fighter Pilot in the Vietnam Air War” in 2006. He also coauthored “Fighter Pilot: The Memoirs of Legendary Ace Robin Olds” in 2010 with Christina Olds who was Robin’s daughter. His books were well received and his demand as an inspirational speaker and champion of air power blossomed.
Raz “Flew West” on January 20, 2013 having flown his last flight, but in the wake of his jet wash is a story of a warrior who did his duty, served his country, and cast a bright light of valor and accomplishment that will inspire fellow warriors for years to come. If you happen to pass his headstone at Arlington National Cemetery, “Throw a nickel on the grass” to honor a great fighter pilot.
--Remembrance written and provided by Find A Grave contributor Lee A. Hillard.
Inscription
Major
U.S. Air Force
Vietnam
Silver Star
Distinguished Flying Cross & 4 Oak Leaf Clusters
Air Medal & 18 Oak Leaf Clusters
Gravesite Details
Interred May 1, 2013
Family Members
Spouse
Sponsored by Ancestry
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