As America honors men and women who have served, MacDill Air Force Base is putting a spotlight on local veterans who helped write the pages of history.
In its “Local Heroes Series,” the 6th Air Mobility Wing featured 93-year-old Tampa resident Retired Lt. Col. Clifton Ward. The native of Williamston, N.C., grew up on a tobacco farm dreaming of one day becoming a pilot.
Inspired by planes flying overhead when he was out in the field, Ward promptly told his mother he wanted to be a pilot. Since it happened to be 1943, he took the Pilot Training Qualification Test and received orders three weeks later from the Army Air Corps, MacDill quoted him as saying. He reported to Miami to begin training.
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“It was my first time outside of North Carolina,” Ward told the base’s writer. “I didn’t care where I was going, I was just so excited to be in...I was ready.”
It seems he was.
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Ward went on to serve in both World War II and Vietnam. During his career, he piloted 29 different aircraft, was reported missing in action and earned the Air Medal, the Bronze Star and the Distinguished Flying Cross.
“It was certainly an interesting career for a farm boy from North Carolina,” Ward explained.
To read more of Ward’s story, visit MacDill Air Force Base online.
Be sure to check out this story about a Clearwater man who flew on the Hiroshima bombing mission, too.
Is there a special veteran in your life? You can share stories and photos by commenting below!
Photos courtesy of MacDill Air Force Base
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