Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Winton
Ralph
Close
1917

–

May 24, 2008

Born:

Columbus

, 

Ohio

Home:

Beverly Hills

, 

California

After serving in the Army Air Forces in World War II, Winton Close transferred to the U.S. Air Force when it became a separate branch of service in 1947. He retired in 1968 as a U.S. Air Force Major General.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major General

    Action Date:

    1966 – 1968

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General Winton Ralph Close, United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States, culminating as Commander of Joint Task Force Two, Sandia Base, New Mexico, from 1966 to 1968. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Close 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.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Winton Ralph Close, United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the China-Burma-India Theater of Operations during World War II. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Action Date:

    May 4 – October 21, 1952
    Headquarters, Far East Air Forces, General Orders No. 560 (November 6, 1952)

    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 Colonel Winton Ralph Close, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander of the 98th Bombardment Wing, Far East Air Forces in Korea, from 4 May 1952 to 21 October 1952. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Close reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Winton Ralph Close, United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the China-Burma-India Theater of Operations during World War II. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.