1st Lt Edwin V. Hughes, Radar Observer, Crew 4, 60th Sqd

1st Lieutenant Edwin V. Hughes was born in Queens, New York in 1923. While attending St. Johns University as a young man, his intelligence did not go unnoticed. He was able to complete his undergraduate studies May of 1943 at the age of 19 partially due to wartime requirements. He was commissioned into the Army Air Corp in the spring of 1943 as a 2nd Lieutenant. He later promoted to 1st Lieutenant as a Radar Observer on B-29s. He served until the surrender of Japan, whereas he was summarily honorably discharged in September of 1945 at Fort Dix, N.J.

After his discharge he attended Fordam Law School and was able to graduate prior to being recalled into service to fight in the Korean War.

1st Lt Hughes was recalled to service in May of 1951 with the United States Air Force reporting to Lackland Air Force Base and served until he was again discharged in May of 1953. Lt Hughes instructed both Navigation and Bombardier schools, and later was transferred to Indiana to work as an attorney with Judge Advocate General’s office.

He had earlier married his sweetheart, Teresa Hughes, and together they had two sons and three grand children. Lt Hughes’ only granddaughter currently flies in the United States Air Force continuing in her grandfather’s footsteps.

Following military duty, Edwin Hughes worked in the insurance industry, eventually rising to the level of both Senior Vice President and President of several insurance corporations. He later retired in sunny Los Angeles, Ca., where he enjoyed his life in southern California.

He would later move to Portland Ore., where 1st LT E. V. Hughes made his final flight on April 12, 1997. He was sent-off by his friends and family and is remembered dearly by many.

He was decorated with the Air Medal, Radar Observer Wings, and the Sea Squatters Pin.

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