Heber Blaine “Bud” Bankhead, 92, of Peachtree City, GA passed away on February 15, 2011.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 62 years, Patricia C. Bankhead and his 3 daughters Jan Guilbeau & husband Lyle, Cindy Clements & husband Mike & Debbie Bankhead; 5 grandchildren Jennifer, Landon, Cameron, Travis and Brittany.
Blaine was born in Wellsville, Utah and graduated from Utah State University. He began his flying career with the Army Air Corp in January 1942. He served with the 99th bomb group of the 347 squadron, flying B-17’s for 50 plus missions as First Pilot, stationed in N. Africa. In July 1943, he was awarded the Distinquished Flying Cross for successfully engaging 6 enemy fighters and a Nazi squadron of 8 Messerchmitts who singled out their plane for destruction. He skillfully flew a crippled bomber back from Messina, Sicily with entire crew intact landing safely in North Africa. On July 19, 1993 his plane was picked to be “camera ship” and “radio ship” for the mission to bomb Rome/target railroad yards. His plane provided proof by pictures and a radio message from Melvin E. Hall to the world that not a single bomb fell on the Vatican or other historic buildings in Rome. The 500 plane mission raid was accurate with pin point bombing, foiling the Berlin radio broadcasting to the contrary, calling foul and hatred of American Air Corp. He was credited for his achievements with the Army Air Corp WWII; President’s Citation Distinquished Flying Cross, 5 Bronze Stars, 9 Air Medals, Purple Heart, American Defense Medal before he left to return stateside. Lt. Colonel Blaine Bankhead retired from the United States Reserve Air Force in April 1978.
Captain Bud Bankhead was a pilot for Delta Airlines for 32 years, retiring on the L1011 flying out of Atlanta. He was honored by David Garrett, CEO, for his work as a committee member of the Delta Golf Tournament Association. He was the Seniors winner in 1984. He was an avid golfer and long standing member of Flat Creek Country Club, a true people person. Bud always enjoyed family & friends.
A celebration of remembrance will be Saturday, February 19, 2011 at 2:00 PM at Carl J. Mowell & Son, Peachtree City, GA. The family will receive friends prior to the service at 12:30 PM. Those desiring may make contributions to USO Center , P. O. Box 20963 , Atlanta , GA 30320, attn: Mary Lou Austin 404-530-6770.
