James J. Scanlon

Lt. Col. Scanlon. Served 32 years with the Air Forces of the United States. He was a natural pilot, and an excellent navigator. Col Scanlon spent most of his career as a Command Pilot (over 12,000 hours) who excelled as an Operations Officer. In the 50's Col Scanlon perfected the lob bombing technique for the B- 57 for tactical nuclear weapons delivery without which it was a one way trip. Col Scanlon flew with the 453rd, during WWII flying a full combat tour in Heavy Bombers and volunteered for...See more

Lt. Col. Scanlon. Served 32 years with the Air Forces of the United States. He was a natural pilot, and an excellent navigator. Col Scanlon spent most of his career as a Command Pilot (over 12,000 hours) who excelled as an Operations Officer. In the 50's Col Scanlon perfected the lob bombing technique for the B- 57 for tactical nuclear weapons delivery without which it was a one way trip. Col Scanlon flew with the 453rd, during WWII flying a full combat tour in Heavy Bombers and volunteered for a second tour in Fighters with the 4th fighter group, composed of pilots of the ex-Eagle Squadron, the highest scouring fighter group in theater with over 1000 destroyed. Dad helped Governor Perry get his commercial pilot license when he retired from the Air Force. He became a.hunting buddy of the governor and Jim Baker. Dad flew Lt Governor Hobby plus many other notable Texans around as a charter pilot and flight instructor after retiring as Base Ops Officer, Dyess AFB Abilene Texas. See less