| Birth date | December 14, 1924 |
|---|---|
| Birth place | Atlanta, Georgia |
| Death date | May 30, 2013 (aged 88) |
| Death place | Bellingham, Washington |
| Burial place | Bayview Cemetery, Bellingham, Washington |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service years | 1943–1980 (USAAF 1943–47) |
| Rank | Major general |
| Commands | 76th Airlift Division 76th Military Airlift Wing 23d Tactical Air Support Squadron |
| Awards | Air Force Distinguished Service Medal Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster Distinguished Flying Cross Order of the Sword (Military Airlift Command, No. 55) |
| Battles | Vietnam War Cold War |
| Alma mater | George Washington University |
Benjamin Fred Starr Jr. (December 14, 1924 – May 30, 2013) was a United States Air Force major general who commanded the 76th Airlift Division at Andrews Air Force Base, the Air Force's executive airlift unit responsible for Air Force One and VIP transport for the President and senior government officials.[1] During the Vietnam War, he commanded the 23d Tactical Air Support Squadron in Thailand, flying 400 combat hours as a forward air controller.[2]
Early life and education
Starr was born on December 14, 1924, in Atlanta, Georgia. He entered military service in 1943 as an Aviation Cadet in the United States Army Air Forces, transferring to the independent United States Air Force when it was established in 1947. He graduated from George Washington University.[1]
Military career
Early career and Strategic Air Command
Starr began his flying career as a bomber pilot in the Strategic Air Command, accumulating the majority of his more than 8,000 total flight hours in SAC aircraft during the Cold War.[1]
Vietnam War
During the Vietnam War, Starr commanded the 23d Tactical Air Support Squadron at Nakhon Ratchasima Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, from 1968 to 1969. He flew 400 combat hours as a forward air controller, directing close air support and interdiction missions. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement in this role.[2]
Andrews Air Force Base commands
On July 26, 1977, Starr assumed command of the 76th Airlift Division at Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland, succeeding William C. Norris.[1] The division was reorganized as the 76th Military Airlift Wing on October 1, 1977, with Starr continuing as commander.[1] The wing provided airlift for the President, Vice President, and Cabinet members. He commanded three Military Airlift Command wings in total during his career.[1]
On April 10, 1979, the enlisted members of Military Airlift Command presented Starr with the Order of the Sword, No. 55, the highest honor that enlisted personnel of a major command can bestow on a senior officer.[3]
Starr retired from active duty in 1980 with the rank of major general after approximately 37 years of service.[1]
Awards and decorations
| Award | |
|---|---|
| Air Force Distinguished Service Medal | |
| Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster | |
| Distinguished Flying Cross | |
See also
References
- ^ "Major General Benjamin F. Starr Jr.". United States Air Force. Retrieved May 7, 2026.
- ^ "Benjamin Starr – Hall of Valor". Military Times. Retrieved May 7, 2026.
- ^ "The Order of the Sword". United States Air Force. Retrieved May 7, 2026.
External links
- DVIDS public-domain photograph of Starr greeting President Carter at Andrews AFB, late 1970s (U.S. Air Force, 316th Wing History Office)