V/Sqd. Ldr. Charles R. Bond
1st Sqd/AVG (9.25)
Charles R. Bond, Jr. was born in Dallas, Texas on April 22, 1915. He began his military career in July 1932 as an enlistee in the Texas National Guard. He entered the Aviation Cadet Program in March 1938 and was commissioned in February 1939 at Randolph Field, Texas. In September 1941, Bond joined the Flying Tigers, an American Volunteer Group in China, commanded by General Claire Chennault. As a Flying Tiger, Bond was credited with ten victories, was shot down twice and was awarded Chinas Fifth Order of the Cloud Banner and Seven Star Wing Medal. Upon returning to the United States, Bond was honored by the Dallas Junior Chamber of Commerce as one of the most outstanding young men in Texas for 1942. In October 1942, he rejoined the Army Air Corps. A year later, he became Chief of the Air Division; United States Military mission to the USSR in Moscow. There, he served as an aide to Ambassador Harriman. In 1949, Bond graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Management Engineering from Texas A&M University. He then completed nearly 20 years in various military leadership positions throughout the United States, Europe and the Far East. In addition to his Chinese decorations, Bond was also awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit with one oak leaf cluster, the Army Commendation Medal, the Distinguished Flying Cross (British), the Order of the Southern Cross (Brazilian), the Purple Heart and numerous other service and campaign medals.
General Charles Bond passed away on August 18, 2009 in Dallas Texas