National Flight Log

William E. Gentner Jr.

VADM · USN

← Back to Flight Log

✈

William E. Gentner Jr.

VADM · USN

06/05/1930 – 07/15/1969

San Pedro, CA

Service Details

Date of Death

2/14/1989

School / Education

U.S. Naval Academy

Pilot Designation

Naval Aviator and Squadron Commander

Highest Designation

U.S. Navy Distinguished Service Medal

Service Years

06/05/1930 – 07/15/1969

Theaters of Service

World War II South Atlantic Theater<div>Korea</div>

Aircraft Flown

N2S<div>PV-1</div><div>F6F</div><div>P-80</div><div>FJ-2</div>

Duty Assignments

<div>USS Rendova (ASW) C.O. 1953-1954</div>USS Coral Sea (Attack Carrier) C.O. 1956-1957
U.S. Sixth Fleet C.O. 1962-1964

Service Organizations

U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association<div>U.S. Naval Academy Athletic Association</div><div>Ten Whistles Education and Research Foundation</div><div>Board of Director, Retired Officers Association (TROA)</div>

Achievements & Story

Key participant in the creation and development of the <i>Blue Angels</i> Flight Demonstration Squadron in 1945, Jacksonville Naval Air Station. <div>On March 10, 1961, recommended the development of a naval guerrilla/counter guerrilla warfare capability within the U.S. Navy as SEAL units to CNO Admiral Burke.</div><div>Appointed Commander of the Taiwan Defense Command 1964-1967. </div><div>Appointed by the Secretary of the Navy in late 1967 as the Senior Member, Navy Department's Board of Decorations and Medals that in 1969 recommended the Defense Distinguished Service Medal to the Secretary of Navy and ultimately approved by President Nixon in Executive Order 11545.</div>