Bill Getz enjoyed a long and distinguished career as an Air Force pilot and officer.

After his combat tour in the 491st Bomb Group ended, he volunteered to extend his combat tour and become a P-51 Mustang pilot. He was one of the first multi-role pilots in the 8th Air Force…perhaps before multi-role was even a defined term.

After serving as aircraft commander of the B-24 Phantom Brigade — he and his crew completed their 31 combat missions in just 69 days — Getz was the youngest ex-bomber pilot P-51 scout in the 8th Air Force. He was also its youngest four-engine bomber crew commander and youngest flight leader.

He completed two combat tours and was promoted to Captain before he could legally drink or vote. He flew his last combat mission the day after his 21st birthday.

He was awarded two Distinguished Flying Crosses, seven Air Medals, a Presidential Unit Citation and the European Theater Ribbon with six combat stars.