George Frederick Vlisides |
Major George Frederick Vlisides was born on December 31, 1924 in Detroit, Michigan to Mrs. Elena Vlisides of Ann Arbor, Michigan. George is a 1943 graduate of Ann Arbor High School. George enlisted in the Army Air Corps, and received his Second Lieutenant's commission and Bombadier Wings in 1944. He flew heavy bombers, but never made it overseas. He graduated from the Military Academy at West Point near the top of his class in 1950 where his classmates called him, "Gorgeous One". George enlisted in the Air Force after graduation from West Point. He earned a Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star Medal and the Air Medal with two clusters flying 84 missions in the F-84 during the Korean War. He graduated from the Air Command and Staff College in 1961.
Major Vlisides began his tour of duty in Bien Hoa Province, South Vietnam on November 5, 1964 serving with the 1st Air Commando Squadron, 34th Tactical Group, 13th Air Force. George earned another Air Medal in Vietnam. He also was shot down twice with the last time occurring on Deceember 29, 1964. He celebrated his 40th Birthday on December 31, 1964. George died on January 27, 1965 when his A-1E Skyraider crashed in a landing attempt at Bien Hoa Airfield. He earned another Distinguished Flying Cross and two more Air Medals during his tour.
George Frederick Vlsides is survived by his mother, a brother and a sister. He lived 40 years and 26 days. He is resting in the Greek Orthodox Cemetery in Ann Arbor, Michigan. George's name is listed on the Vietnam Memorial in Ypsilanti Township under Ann Arbor. His name also appears on the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, DC on Panel 01E Line 084.
The Wall rubbings by John Kinzinger
George was a graduate of he United States Military Academy, Class of 1950.
<<Here is the link to George's USMA Class of 1950 page
View Name on Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington DC