Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Timothy
Ignatius
Ahern
POW (WWII)
1924

–

April 16, 2003

Born:

New Haven

, 

Connecticut

Home:

New Haven

, 

Connecticut

Timothy Ahern entered New Haven State Teachers College in 1940 at the age of 15, and entered military service three years later. After serving in the Army Air Forces in World War II, during which he was shot down and interned as a Prisoner of War, he transferred to the U.S. Air Force when it became a separate branch of service in 1947. He retired in 1978 as a U.S. Air Force Major General.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Action Date:

    September 16, 1968 – January 31, 1973

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Brigadier General Timothy Ignatius Ahern, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while assigned as Chief, Defense Division, Deputy Director for Strategic Forces, Directorate of Operational Requirements and Development Plans, Deputy Chief of Staff for Research and Development, Headquarters United States Air Force, from 16 September 1968 through 31 January 1973. In this important assignment the leadership, exemplary foresight, and ceaseless efforts consistently demonstrated by General Ahern resulted in significant contributions to the effectiveness and success of the Aerospace Defense Forces and programs for their modernization. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Ahern reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major General

    Action Date:

    1977 – 1978

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General Timothy Ignatius Ahern (ASN: 0-824068), United States Air Force, was awarded the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, culminating as Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Research and Development, Headquarters, U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C., from 1977 to 1978. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Ahern culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and his dedicated contributions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Germany)

    Action Date:

    August 9, 1944 – April 1945
    NARA Database: Records of World War II Prisoners of War, created, 1942 – 34912

    Second Lieutenant (Air Corps) Timothy Ignatius Ahern (ASN: 0-824068), United States Army Air Forces, was captured by German forces after his B-17 bomber was shot down over enemy-occupied territory on 9 August 1944, and was held as a Prisoner of War until his return to U.S. Military Control in April 1945.