Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
John
Kenton
Hester
DNB (1965)
November 7, 1916

–

April 8, 1965

Born:

Sanders County

, 

Montana

Home:

, 

Montana

Buried: 

Arlington

, 

Virginia

Cemetery:

Arlington National Cemetery

After serving in the Army Air Forces in World War II, John Hester transferred to the U.S. Air Force when it became a separate branch of service in 1947. As a U.S. Air Force Major General, he died in 1965 during a parachute jump.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major General

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General John K. Hester, 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. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Hester and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major General

    Action Date:

    1962 – 1965
    Department of the Air Force, General Orders No. GB122 (1965)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting Air Force Distinguished Service Medal (Army Design) (Posthumously) to Major General John Kenton Hester, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility, as Assistant Vice Chief of Staff, Headquarters, U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C., and culminating as Commander, SEVENTEENTH Air Force, U.S. Air Forces Europe, from 1962 to 1965. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Major General Hester 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:

    Major (Air Corps)

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major (Air Corps) John K. Hester, 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.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major General

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General John K. Hester, United States Air Force, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Hester and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.